Effectiveness of a Coaching Program for Family Caregivers of Persons with Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Basic knowledge regarding schizophrenia, having positive attitudes towards it, and possessing the necessary care skills are crucial aspects for caregivers have in order to provide sustainable care for a relative with schizophrenia. Coaching can facilitate successful caregiving through the understanding of a caregiver's knowledge, attitudes, and skills. This study examined the effectiveness of a coaching program in enhancing family caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and skills related to caring for persons with schizophrenia. 100 primary family caregivers were randomly recruited. Of these, 50 participated in a coaching program, which lasted 7 weeks and employed implementation methods such as discussion, watching videos, providing information, training, observation, demonstration, role-plays, and telephone follow-ups. The coaching group participants showed significantly higher knowledge levels (F = 85.77, p < 0.001), lower levels of negative attitudes towards schizophrenia (F = 13.22, p < 0.001), and higher skill levels (F = 22.94, p < 0.001) than those in the routine care group. The results also discovered significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and caregiving skills on follow-ups at week 2 and 1 month after the completion of the program in the coaching group, as compared to those in the routine care group (p <0.001). The coaching program examined in this study clearly indicated positive effects on caregiver knowledge, attitudes, and caregiving skills when compared with routine care.