Working with and for parents to create a Family Focus DVD

Consumer and carer participation can improve the quality of health care. Active collaboration with family members is critical when developing and evaluating resources designed to meet their needs. The Australian Children of Parents with a Mental Illness National Initiative developed a DVD resource, Family Focus, to promote family communication about parental mental illness.

This column describes how families were involved in all stages of the DVD development and post production pilot evaluation.

This description draws from published material, family involvement, and interagency collaboration.

The parent-led development of the DVD provides a resource that is congruent with the unique needs and circumstances of individual families. The collaborative approach yields a DVD resource that is authentic, engaging, hopeful and helpful and 1 that empowers parents and strengthens families in their recovery.