Perception of family members regarding the support group conducted in a psychiatric intervention ward

OBJECTIVE  To analyze the perception of relatives of patients with mental disorders about the support group in a psychiatric hospitalization ward.

METHOD  This is a research with a qualitative, exploratory an descriptive approach, performed at a General Hospital in Rio Grande do Sul with ten relatives of patients who had been participating in a weekly support group. Data collection took place in October 2016, through semi-structured interviews. A thematic content analysis was used for the treatment of data, whence emerged the category: Perception of family members about the support group.

RESULTS  The relatives perceive the group as a space that gives them strength and support, allowing for listening and experience exchange among its members, giving information on the disease and treatment, safety, and inserting the family in the treatment.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS  The support group can be understood as a strategic action of caring for the family, affecting their lives and the treatment of those who are hospitalized.

Keywords:
Nursing; Mental health; Health services; Self-help groups