Using Psychoeducation to Empower Patients, Their Families, and Care Partners

Abstract

Abstract Psychoeducation is a flexible intervention that allows interdisciplinary providers to be a supportive and helpful presence when individuals and families face serious illness. As more people live longer with chronic and serious illness, friends and family may be required to engage in caregiving over extended periods of time. Social workers can assist individuals and families to adapt to changing family roles and prepare for new roles by utilizing a variety of cognitive and educational tools such as psychoeducation. Psychoeducation can support and empower patients, families, and their care partners to integrate information related to disease management, individual and family adaptation, caregiving techniques, and coping strategies. The overarching goals are to maximize coping, mitigate preventable harms, and ensure that individuals receive care aligned with their wishes.