Clinical Report: Exploring Informal Caregivers' Views on Mental Health Services

Overview

This study compares perceptions of informal caregivers regarding mental health services in Sardinia between 2024 and 2025. Findings indicate an increase in satisfaction with service quality and respect for human rights among caregivers in 2025, despite ongoing concerns about resource adequacy.

Background

Italy's community-based mental health model, established by Law 180, has faced significant challenges due to chronic underfunding and workforce shortages. The post-pandemic period has heightened dissatisfaction among users and caregivers, raising concerns about the sustainability of mental health services. Understanding caregiver perceptions is crucial for addressing these systemic issues and ensuring the rights and needs of individuals receiving care are met.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Caregivers in 2025 reported significantly higher satisfaction with service quality compared to 2024 (p = 0.007).
• Increased satisfaction regarding organizational aspects was noted in 2025 (p = 0.007).
• Respect for the human rights of users was perceived significantly higher in 2025 (p < 0.001).
• Respect for the human rights of staff also improved in 2025 (p = 0.037).
• Both cohorts expressed ongoing concerns about staffing and infrastructure adequacy.
• The perceived need for additional healthcare staff increased in 2025.

Clinical Implications

The findings highlight the importance of addressing resource shortages in mental health services to maintain caregiver satisfaction and uphold human rights. Ongoing investment in workforce and infrastructure is essential to support the community-based mental health model in Italy.

Conclusion

The study reveals a complex landscape of caregiver perceptions, with increased satisfaction in certain areas amidst persistent concerns about resources. Continued attention to these issues is vital for the sustainability of mental health services in Italy.

Related Resources & Content

1. Ministero della Salute - Salute mentale, Italy, 2026 -- National Mental Health Action Plan
2. Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) guideline for mental, neurological and substance use disorders: executive summary, WHO, 2025 -- mhGAP Guideline
3. npj Digital Medicine — Caregiver perceptions of healthcare barriers across traditional and digital contexts: a mixed-methods analysis
4. Critical Care (Springer) — Impact of early mobilization on long-term dyadic mental health after critical illness
5. BMC Psychiatry (Springer) — Barriers and facilitators of accessing primary healthcare for patients with severe mental illness: a mixed-methods systematic review using framework synthesis
6. Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Psychological Well-being and Contributing Factors Among Caregivers of Individuals with Malignant Brain Tumors
7. Ministero della Salute - Salute mentale
8. Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) guideline for mental, neurological and substance use disorders: executive summary
9. Effectiveness of implementing family involvement on patient outcomes in individuals with psychotic disorders: a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial | BMC Psychiatry | Springer Nature Link