Family to Family Education Program (FFEP)
| Manual Title |
Family to Family Education Program (FFEP) |
| Creator |
Joyce Burland, Ph.D. |
| Reference |
Burland, J.(2001). Family to Family Education Program. 2nd edition.
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. |
| Price |
Interested individuals should contact their state NAMI association. |
| Contact Information: |
Joyce Burland, Ph.D., National Director
NAMI Education, Training and Peer Support Center
National Association for the Mentally Ill
Colonial Place Three, 2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300
Arlington,VA 22201
Phone: 703-524-7600 or 703-516-7982
Email: joyce@nami.org
|
Program Overview:
Note: This program has been widely adopted across the country and received
considerable financial support received from state governments (Dixon, Goldman & Hirad,
1999). The Family-to-Family Education Program graduates approximately 10,000
family members of people with mental illnesses each year in 45 states (NAMI
E-news 10-7-02, "NAMI launches campaign for the mind of America").
Program Format:
- Curriculum includes 12 weekly 2-3 hour sessions including review of diagnoses,
problem solving, communication skills,self-care, and advocacy. Optional on-going
support groups are available in most communities.
- Patient diagnoses covered in the program include: schizophrenia, depression,
bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, dual diagnosis, and borderline personality
disorder.
- The manual contains specific handouts for each session
- Sessions are facilitated by a trained family member (not a mental health professional).
Research:
Picket, Cook & Laris (1997):
Upon completion of the 12-weekclass, participants reported increased knowledge
of mental illness, improved management of patient's behavior, and increased
awareness of mental health system.
Dixon et al. (2001):
- Methods: 37 families members were assessed at baseline, upon completion
of the 12-weekclass, and 6-months post-class.
- Results: Upon completion, participants report higher family and community
empowerment and decreased displeasure and worry about patient.
These benefits were sustained at 6 months
No change in participant's objective burden, self-esteem or sense of mastery
Burland (personal communication, 12-30-02, based on final results of Dr. Dixon's
Robert Woods Johnson study):
- Methods Unpublished data comes from interviewing 95 participants who were on a waiting list for the Family to Family Program
and comparing them to FFEP graduates.
- Results:
Asin Dixon et al (2001), FFEP graduates had decreased burden and increased
empowerment; wait list controls did not show similar gains.
Note: Above description reviewed and approved by Dr. Burland, 12-30-02
|
