Retos en el cuidado de un paciente con esquizofrenia, experiencias de las familias

Abstract

Objective: to know the experiences of the relatives in the coexistence and the care of a patient with schizophrenia that attend the external consultation of the Subred Integrada de Servicios de Salud Sur Occidente E.S.E Unidad Kennedy in the first semester of 2017. Methodology: a qualitative study was carried out, of type analysis of narratives, using the instrument of focal groups. 19 family members participated, approximately 120 minutes sessions. The extracted material was processed and analyzed with strict parameters to guarantee reliability and internal validity. Results: greater participation of women was observed. There is evidence of family, social, work and media stigma. Family dynamics change because of the diagnosis and the difficulty of coping with mental illness. No changes were detected in the socioeconomic impact with the diagnosis of mental illness. It was identified that if there is burn out in the caregivers. The family members identified several difficulties in accessing to attention and rehabilitation of their patients. There was no relevance in influencing culture and spirituality was shown as a coping tool. Discussion: caregivers of patients with schizophrenia face various difficulties that end up changing not only family dynamics, but their own individual roles, as well as being exposed to an increased risk of exhaustion syndrome. It is necessary to extend the intervention strategies to therapeutic spaces that provide greater support to the families of patients with schizophrenia.