Family experiences in communicating with family members experiencing social isolation after hospitalization.

OBJECTIVE: Social isolation is one of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia that is likely to persist after hospitalization. This study aimed to describe family experiences in communicating with post-hospitalized family members experiencing social isolation.

METHOD: This study used a descriptive phenomenology qualitative approach. The research sample consisted of seven participants selected by a purposive sampling method. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews with family members of people with schizophrenia who experienced social isolation after hospitalization. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's method.

RESULTS: Five themes emerged in this study: a) emotional reactions towards communication changes after hospitalization; b) family coping strategies in communicating with post-hospitalized clients; c) stigma and emotional expression as factors aggravating limited social interaction; d) types of family communication used to fulfill the psychological needs of patients, and e) family involvement in communicating with socially-isolated clients after hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS: Family communication becomes part of the adaptation of the family to caring for a family member with a chronic illness. It is recommended that nurses provide mental health education and psychological education on communication skills to family caregivers.