Exploring the risk management strategies of informal carers of mental health service users

This paper presents the finding of an exploratory study examining the risk management strategies of informal carers of mental health service users. Thirteen carers from two cities were interviewed in depth using a semi-structured interview schedule. Participants had been informal carers between four and 20 years and supported users with formal diagnoses of schizophrenia, manic depression and depression. A grounded theory approach was followed to collect and examine data and to test the resulting models of risk management. Three models of risk management are discussed and relate to a wide range of risk posed and faced by the carers' users. The results of this study are compared with those of an earlier study into the risk management strategies of 22 service users with similarities and differences highlighted. 40 refs. [Abstract]