‘Responsible, but Still not a Real Treatment Partner’: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Relatives of Patients on Outpatient Commitment Orders

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore relatives' experiences when their family member is under an outpatient commitment order. A descriptive and exploratory approach was used based on qualitative interviews with 11 relatives. The relatives felt they had responsibility for the patient, but experienced a lack of recognition for their contribution to the treatment. Relatives paid little attention to coercion, but were more concerned about whether the follow-up care improved the patient's social functioning. They further reported an unmet need for information and guidance from healthcare staff to improve cooperation in the patient's care and treatment.