Applying research on family education about mental illness to development of a relatives' group consultation model

Results from a random field trial of family education interventions were applied to create a new model of family education programs. This paper reviews the family education literature, the random field trial results, and the pre-piloting of an adapted service model called group consultation. The new model emphasizes a more interactive approach to the conventional group workshop model as opposed to adherence to a pre-planned curriculum. Pre-pilot group participants were all past members of group workshops. In a process evaluation these group members were questioned about their reactions to the new group format and its usefulness.