Benefit finding is a concept that represents finding positive changes or benefits through difficult experiences. To map the currently available studies on benefit finding and growth among family caregivers of individuals with mental illness, we conducted a scoping review based on methodological frameworks. A systematic search for studies published in English was conducted using MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, CINAHL, and PTSDpubs from inception to August 2023. After screening, 21 articles were included in the review. Of these, 11 studies were cross-sectional studies, 7 were qualitative studies, 2 were mixed-methods studies, and a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Family caregivers experienced various positive psychological changes, such as becoming compassionate/tolerant and resilient, stronger family bonds, change in perspective on life and hope, acquisition of knowledge and coping strategies, and leveraging their experiences and appreciation by others, following various struggles and negative changes. Some indicators of benefit finding and growth, such as positive personal traits, positive reappraisal, good relationships with patients, and social support, were also revealed. The quality assessment demonstrated an acceptable level of quality in most studies, with a few outliers. Future longitudinal studies would reveal the mechanism of benefit finding and growth among family caregivers of individuals with mental illness.

The phenomenon of some patients with schizophrenia withdrawing and becoming hikikomori needs to be resolved. In some countries, outreach methods are being employed. In Japan, psychiatric home-visit nursing for patients with schizophrenia and hikikomori is being implemented. However, it is not based on sufficient evidence and relies on the experience and intuition of individual nurses. This study explored the underlying themes in the nursing practices of psychiatric home-visit nurses via semi-structured interviews with 10 nurses and a thematic analysis. Nine key themes emerged. Four themes—(i) understanding the patient’s world, (ii) supporting the patients as they are, (iii) providing a sense of relief, and (iv) having equal relationships—highlighted the nurses’ commitment to respecting patients’ individuality while building and sustaining relationships. Two themes—(v) exploring the right timing and (vi) waiting for the appropriate timing—illustrated the nurses’ anticipation of proactive patient engagement. Finally, three themes—(vii) working together on things, (viii) continuing care for expanding the patient’s world, and (ix) nursing care for the patient’s future—underscored the nurses’ gradual and methodical approach to working alongside patients. Nursing practices based on these nine themes cultivated meaningful relationships and secured a sense of relief for the patients. Additionally, they awaited patients’ proactive engagement and delivered timely support to facilitate positive daily life changes. These findings contribute to the establishment of evidence-based nursing practices for patients with schizophrenia and hikikomori.

目的：精神疾患をもつ親の成人した子どもにおけるベネフィット・ファインディングを明らかにする．方法：対象は当事者グループに参加経験のある11名で，修正版グラウンデッド・セオリー・アプローチにより質的記述的に分析した．結果：対象者は小児期から家庭内の困難を経験し【ピアや身近な人による受容】や【精神疾患に対する理解の深化】を通して《孤独感が和らぐとともに内面が変容していく経験》を重ねていた．その結果【人の支えとつながりの実感】や【自分の中にある強さへの気づき】など肯定的側面を見出していた．一方【回想や内省により引き起こされる苦しみ】もあり，意味づけには複雑な感情に対処し自己を保つための側面も含まれていた．結論：ベネフィット・ファインディングは一直線的なものではなく葛藤や苦悩を含みながら形成されるものであり，ピアとの出会いや安心できる環境がその過程を支える重要な要素であると示唆された．

Aim: To describe the difficulties experienced by nurses when transferring psychiatric inpatients with physical complications to general hospitals. Design: A cross‐sectional descriptive study. Methods: A total of 300 psychiatric hospitals were randomly selected from psychiatric hospitals nationwide in Japan. Nurses answered an anonymous, self‐administered questionnaire that quantitatively inquired about their experiences of difficulties when psychiatric inpatients with physical complications were transferred to general hospitals. The questionnaire included 17 items with five‐point options. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. Results: A total of 242 responses from 80 hospitals were included in the analysis. More than 70% of the participants experienced somewhat or more difficulties because they felt that patients with mental illness were treated differently or hard to be understood and accepted when psychiatric inpatients with physical complications were transferred to general hospitals. Information sharing with general hospitals was related to significantly lower difficulties among nurses in psychiatric hospitals about the way healthcare providers in general hospitals viewed patients with mental illness, whereas the extent of cooperation and communication with general hospitals was not significantly associated with difficulties. Conclusion: Information sharing is related to lower difficulties in nurses in psychiatric hospitals when transferring inpatients to general hospitals. Reporting Methods: We followed STROBE statement in this study. Impact: Better linkage between psychiatric and physical healthcare, including improved referral pathways based on the information sharing, is important. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. However, three nurses in psychiatric hospitals engaged in clinical care were involved in the study because the survey was conducted with nurses at psychiatric hospitals.