[Covid-19 emergency and telemedicine: multifamily psychoeducational intervention in a forensic setting.]

Abstract

Aim: The aim is to describe remote multifamily psychoeducational intervention led by REMS "Castore" team (an Italian health care facility for offenders who suffer from mental disorders and socially dangerous) in ASL Roma 5, a local health authority, during covid-19 emergency.

Methods: The applied theoretical models have been the integrated psychoeducational intervention by I. Falloon and the multifamily psychoeducational intervention based on problem solving by F. Veltro. The multifamily psychoeducational intervention was attempted by inpatients' relatives from June to August 2020 with 8 weekly meetings of 90' each led by two psychiatric rehabilitation therapists and healthcare experts. Six families were involved in the study and its members were assessed by questionnaire on family problems, Brief-COPE and general health questionnaire tests. Users were assessed by Level of Expressed Emotion Scale test for their expressed emotion.

Results: Data analysis highlighted the general low level of subjective and objective burden for family members in association with a high perception of that support provided by REMS. Furthermore, the study has shown those coping approaches oriented to the research of practical solutions, acceptance of events and assertive communication.

Discussion: The low subjective and objective burden may be attributed to implicit security conditions in REMS and the absence of tasks mainly carried out by experts. Those coping styles oriented to more practical than emotional approaches suggest an emotional hyper control or stigma perception leading to isolation and loneliness.

Conclusions: The multifamily psychoeducational intervention has allowed a trustworthy relationship with REMS. Considering that the families involved in the study have never benefited by other psychoeducational interventions before, their early involvement appears to be a potential tool for preventing and managing crisis as well as minimizing recidivism.