WORKSHOP: Communicating with Family Careers: Barriers and Bridges to Family-Integrated Care of Patients with Serious Mental Illness
Presenting Author(s): Dr. Melanie Robles, MD, FCFP, CCFP (EM), Katherine Shettell
Co-Author(s): Roxoliana Tsisar, Kristen Zentner, Adam Abba-Aji
Date and time: 21 Mar 2026 from 14:20 to 15:20
Location: Mount Temple Ballroom A/B
Learning Objectives
1. Review best practices in family-integrated care in early intervention in psychiatry;
2. Reflect on the experiences of family careers in Alberta in the context of interactive vignettes drawn from local qualitative research; and
3. Discuss system challenges and opportunities for change through examining barriers and bridges to family-integrated care.
Abstract
Effective communication within the triad of care (the points of which are the patient, the family carer(s), and the clinical team) reduces caregiver burden, increases family engagement, and improves outcomes for both the patient and the supporting family (Zomer et al. 2020, McFarlane, 2016). International and Canadian best- practice documents underline these principles (Kreyenbuhl et al., 2010; MacCourt, 2013), although implementation of these guidelines remains challenged. Hansson et al. (2022) identified major organizational and clinical barriers to family inclusion in mental health services.
This workshop uses real stories of family lived experience from current qualitative research in Alberta to cast light on the barriers and bridges to family involvement in our own community. Using the template of established clinical guidelines, participants will discuss the vignettes focusing on system challenges and opportunities for change. Included in the conversation will be perspectives from the communities of clinical and family lived experience. Participants will take away knowledge and resources that can help advance our common goal of improving family centred care for patients with serious mental illness in Alberta.
Literature References
1. Hansson, K. M., et al. "Barriers and Facilitators When Implementing Family Involvement for Persons with Psychotic Disorders in Community Mental Health Centres: A Nested Qualitative Study." BMC Health Services Research, vol. 22, no. 1, 2022, Article 1153. BioMed Central, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08489-y Kreyenbuhl, Julie, et al. "The Schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT): Updated Treatment Recommendations 2009." Schizophrenia Bulletin, vol. 36, no. 1, 2010, pp. 94-103. Oxford Academic, https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbp130
2. MacCourt, Penny, et al. National Guidelines for a Comprehensive Service System to Support Family Caregivers of Adults with Mental Health Problems and Illnesses. Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2013, https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/wpcontent/uploads/drupal/Caregiving_MHCC_Family_Caregivers_Guidelines_ENG_0.pdf.
3. McFarlane, William R. “Family Interventions for Schizophrenia and the Psychoses: A Review." Family Process, vol. 55, no. 3, 2016, pp. 460-482. Wiley Online Library, https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12235. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Psychosis and Schizophrenia in Adults: Treatment and Management (CG178). 2014, https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg178?
4. Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). Management of Schizophrenia (SIGN 131). 2013, https://www.sign.ac.uk/assets/sign131.pdf.
5. Zomer, L. J. C., et al. "The Active Recovery Triad Model: A New Approach in Dutch Long-Term Mental Health Care." Frontiers in Psychiatry, vol. 11, 2020, Article 592228. Frontiers, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.592228.