“As if we didn’t exist” – A participatory reflexive thematic analysis on next of kins’ experiences of their interactions with the psychiatric health care system in Germany
A systematic change in psychiatric care is required to facilitate meaningful next-of-kin participation. This includes clear institutional policies, more focus on relational aspects, and a redefinition of participation beyond caregiving responsibilities. A more proactive, inclusive approach to next of kin could enhance support for both individuals in treatment and their next of kin while improving overall psychiatric care outcomes.
Authors
- Johanna Leona Kummetat (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0914-4732)
- Simone Bayer (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5880-2095)
- Thimna Klatt (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2937-6020)
- Sven Speerforck (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9281-8461)
- Sebastian von Peter (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8187-5444)
- Nora Dietrich
- Laura Galbusera (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0459-2803)
- Kolja Heumann
- Sarah Schernau
- Silvia Bahl
- Susanne Kappesser
Institutions
- Medizinische Hochschule Brandenburg Theodor Fontane (DE)
- Leipzig University (DE)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMC Psychiatry
- Published
- 2025-10-02
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-07481-0
- Primary Topic
- Family Caregiving in Mental Illness
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft