咸認切合需求的衛生教育可以減除家屬照顧精神病患的負擔，並能有效減輕其身心與社會壓力，同時也提高病患及家屬本身的生活品質。本研究旨在瞭解社區家屬的需求及其相關因素，以期作為將來改善家屬衛教的方針，以間接改善被照顧者及家屬的生活品質。本研究的資料除包括 125 位精神病患家屬之問卷調查外，更核對病歷以瞭解家屬實際接受之衛教數量、種類、及內容。此研究在因素分析過程中萃取三個主要因素，處理因疾病所帶來之心理、社會改變；對疾病之適應及處置的需求；及疾病相關知識的需求。其中，「對疾病之適應及處置的需求」之需求平均值最高。但研究結果更顯示出目前病房之實際衛教不僅數量不足，內容更不符家屬需求。此外，教育程度高之家屬顯然處理疾病引起心理、社會改變的需求較高。本研究亦證實衛教在病人藥物使用行為上之功效。

This survey was designed to explore the educational needs of caregivers taking care of psychotic patients in the community. Data was obtained from mailed questionnaires from 125 caregivers and patients' records. Factor analysis revealed three factors: 1.“theneed to know how to deal with illness-caused psycho-social challenges;” 2.“the need to know how to adjust to and manage patients' illness;” and “theneed for illness-related information.” The findings of this study indicated that “theneed to know how to adjust to and manage patients' illness” was the first priority. In addition, the items of psychoeducation taught by nurses did not meet the needs of caregivers. And, more interestingly, the results suggested that caregivers with different educational levels have different needs for psychoeducation. To advance nursing practice, rethinking the process and content of education in order to empower caregivers is recommended.