Supporting movement and physical activity in people with psychosis: A qualitative exploration of the carer perspective

Abstract

Background: The need to increase exercise and decrease sedentary behaviour in people diagnosed with psychosis is well-recognised. Aims: We set out to explore caregivers’ perspectives on what supports and prevents physical activity, and how to use carers’ support most effectively. Method: Fourteen caregivers of people diagnosed with psychosis were interviewed. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, in collaboration with caregivers. Results: Four themes were developed, the first flagging the importance of physical activity, then the others calling for action: (a) Physical inactivity matters: carers are keen to support efforts to increase physical activity in their family or friends because of the enormous impact physical inactivity has on patients, and consequently on carers themselves, such as social isolation and reduction in their own activity. (b) Tell us: without being well-informed about how to help, carers can feel like they are powerless to stop a ‘slow suicide’ or ‘decline’ in patients. (c) Listen to us: through knowing their family and friends well, carers are able to identify important changes in patients and identify successful motivators for them, but these insights can feel uninvited. (d) Ask us: being invited to support activity as a partner in a patients’ care is desirable but having offers of help rejected can “demotivate the motivator.” Conclusions: Caregivers described strong motivation to help patients to be more physically active but can feel that their support is overlooked and under-used by services. Clinical recommendations for carer involvement in physical activity interventions are offered.