Initiatives. Experiential knowledge takes on a particular dimension in this psychoeducation program developed with caregivers and delivered by two peer caregivers. Focused on recovery, it opens perspectives for the daily management of the disease.
At the Burgundy Referral Center for Psychosocial Rehabilitation (C2RB), a psychoeduction program entitled “Bipolarity… getting well” is provided by two peer helpers, Paula Nunes and Florence Didierjean. Validated by the Regional Health Agency (ARS), this device won the “Interact and make the patient an actor in their care” trophy from the French Institute of Patient Experience.
In practice, this group is aimed, on medical prescription, at patients suffering from bipolar disorders, in the process of recovery. They have already benefited from a first ETP program, “Living better with… bipolarity” (10 sessions), led by a medical-nursing pair, with the occasional participation of other stakeholders (pharmacist, social worker, etc.). Beyond knowledge about the disorder and mood management, this second part constitutes an extension resolutely focused on the theme of recovery.
Co-developed by the two peer helpers, this program welcomes small groups of 6 to 10 patients (closed groups), and includes 5 weekly sessions of 1 hour 30 minutes. The objectives are to:
– become independent in the management of their illness;
– have a rich and satisfying life;
– acquire new tools for maintaining recovery;
– learn to know and understand each other better
– promote yourself, deconstruct preconceived ideas, destigmatize the disease
Several resources have been developed for these patients: a 30-page booklet, given to each participant at the start of the sessions, contains multiple practical information and offers benchmarks on the recovery journey; supports allow you to discover well-being tools (noise-cancelling headphones, light therapy lamp, stress management app, etc.)…
“The experience of illness, and the fact of having developed our own strategies to be more independent on a daily basis, gives strength to our words and stimulates the participants…”
The evaluations carried out at the end of five sessions made it possible to develop this program. The peer helpers note that it “allows real exchanges, restores confidence in oneself and in the future, is a source of rich information, and brings a lot of hope. » They also emphasize that sharing their experience of illness can be relevant. On the brake side, they point out: “Even if leading groups sometimes puts us in difficulty, because the testimonies of users resonate with us, we consider that it is an opportunity to practice a professional activity full of meaning.”
• Contact : P. Nunes, [email protected], F. Didierjean, [email protected]
