Moxham, LornaPatterson, ChristopherCurtis, LizAlmoaber, Zahra Hassan2025-10-092024Almoaber, Z., Moxham, L., & Patterson, C. (2024). Experiences of respite care among carers or relatives who are responsible for caring for individuals with a mental illness: An integrative literature review. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 33(6), 2267-2283. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.13395https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14154/76599Background: In recent years, there has been a growing focus on caregiving for individuals with a mental illness (MI), particularly concerning the profound impact this role has on caregivers. Research highlights the essential function of respite care services, which play a critical role in alleviating the significant burden many caregivers face. By providing temporary relief from their demanding responsibilities, these services help to reduce stress and offer invaluable peace of mind, ensuring that those receiving care remain safe and well-supported during the caregiver's absence. Despite the increasing recognition of the need for respite care, much of the existing research has predominantly centred on caregivers of individuals with dementia, as well as those caring for individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities. A thorough review of the literature identified a substantial gap in understanding the unique experiences and challenges encountered by caregivers of individuals with mental illness, in relation to utilising respite care. Only a limited number of studies have examined the specific needs and actual experiences of these caregivers, underscoring a crucial area that requires further exploration and support. Aim: This study investigates the experiences of respite care among informal caregivers who provide care for individuals with mental illness. Research Design Methodology: This study used a qualitative methodological approach to investigate the experiences of caregivers of individuals with mental illness while utilising respite care; an interpretative phenomenological approach was conducted in the study to inform the philosophy of the study.  Method: A purposive sample of caregivers of individuals with mental illness who utilise respite care (N=14) contributed narrative data through individual in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The transcripts of these interviews were analysed using van Manen's (2014) approach to data analysis. This process allowed for the identification of elements, themes, and an essence of meaning resulting from the participants' narratives. Findings: Through an analysis of the participants’ narratives, eight elements were identified, resulting in the development of four themes and the essence of meaning. The identified themes include 1) Feeling overwhelmed, 2) The process of obtaining respite, 3) Facility suitability, and 4) The need to keep going. The essence of meaning is summarised as “Constant Caring is Constant.” Discussion: This PhD thesis presents an in-depth analysis of the findings, supplemented by a comprehensive exploration based on an established theoretical perspective of the stress process model. The discussion elucidates the contextual and conceptual aspects of the experiences of caregivers for individuals with mental illness who engage in respite care. Caregivers consistently provide support and assistance to individuals with mental illness, a commitment that often leads to significant stress. Many caregivers encounter considerable challenges in locating appropriate respite services, yet they recognise the importance of persevering in their roles to ensure continued care for those they support. Conclusion and Implications for Practice: Findings from this thesis is vital for the effective provision of respite care. Research indicates that caregivers can significantly benefit from respite services, leading to improvements in both their mental and physical health, as well as an enhanced quality of life. However, there is an urgent need to enhance the delivery of these services. To address the need, service providers should focus on improving communication with caregivers, offering flexible scheduling options, and tailoring services to meet the specific needs of each individual caregiver. Furthermore, it is essential to prioritise training and education for respite care workers, particularly in the areas of managing challenging caregiving situations and providing emotional support to caregivers. Increasing awareness of respite care services is also a crucial consideration. Collaborative campaigns with healthcare providers and community organisations can effectively educate caregivers about the various options available to them. Keywords: caregivers of individuals with mental illness; lived experience; respite care phenomenology; Max van Manen.243en-USKeywords: caregivers of individuals with mental illnesslived experiencerespite care phenomenologyMax van Manen.Thesis