The effect of a family intervention on primary caregivers psychological outcomes: Findings from the integrative literature review

Aims: This literature review examines the effectiveness of the family interventions (FIs) targeted at the primary caregivers of people diagnosed with schizophrenia on improving the knowledge level of schizophrenia and health‐related outcomes. Methods: A total of nine studies were reviewed from December 1999 to May 2017. The methods described by the Center for Reviews and Dissemination were used to guide this review. Results: The FIs showed consistent improvement in the knowledge level of schizophrenia among participants for various follow‐up intervals. In addition, FIs were found to be superior to treatment as usual in influencing health‐related outcomes. Conclusions: Implications of the findings for mental healthcare practice to include primary caregivers with the patient in the treatment process.