The effect of caregiver empowerment program based on neuman's systems model on recognition and management of relapses by family caregiver's of individuals with bipolar disorder diagnoses

Objective: It was aimed to examine the effect of "Caregiver Empowerment Program" based on Neuman's Systems Model, on family caregivers' recognition and management of relapses in bipolar disorder. Method: The study is an action research. The sample was the caregivers of the patients who had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and who were followed up remotely at the Akdeniz University Hospital Mood Disorders outpatient clinic. Eight caregivers were included in the study using benchmark sampling techniques, but the developed program included four caregivers. Qualitative and quantitative data collection tools were used together in the collection of data. Content analysis was carried out in the evaluation of qualitative data, total score was carried out in the evaluation of quantitative data. In the research, firstly the experience and needs of the caregivers were determined and the "Caregiver Empowerment Program" was developed and implemented. Immediately and six weeks after the program, the experience and needs of carers were reassessed. Results: Family caregivers were found to be inadequate to recognize and manage relapses if they had no information about the disease. It was determined that the caregivers mostly have feelings, thoughts, experiences and perceptions that cause deterioration of health / wellness condition, mostly psychological and spiritual dimensions. "Caregiver Empowerment Program" addresses the needs of the caregivers. So the program has been found to strengthen the line of resistance that protect the basic structure of the caregivers. Conclusion: The "Caregiver Empowerment Program" based on Neuman's Systems Model was effective in improving the relapse recognition and management of caregivers participating in the study, raising the awareness of caregivers. It is proposed that further action research should be done on larger samples of this subject. Also it is proposed to develop new action plans to meet the changing needs of caregivers.