ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of health education pathway intervention on the mental status and coping capacity in family members of brain injury patients receiving surgery. MethodsOne hundred and eighty-eight family members were randomly divided into control group (n=93) and intervention group (n=95) between September 2013 and October 2014. The control group received conventional health education only, while the intervention group was given health education pathway intervention. The mental status and coping capacity of family members in the two groups on admission and at discharge were surveyed and compared based on symptom checklist 90 (SCL-90) and coping styles questionnaire (CSQ). The hospitalization stay and expenditure and the satisfaction degree were also compared. ResultsThere was no significant differences in mental status and coping capacity in family members between the two groups on admission (P > 0.05). After health education pathway intervention, the positive rate of SCL-90 in the control group was significantly higher than that in the intervention group, and the total score and score for each factor were also obviously higher (P < 0.05). As for coping capacity, the scores of self-blaming, avoidance, fancy and rationalization of CSQ in the control group were significantly higher than those in the intervention group, and the scores of appealing help and resolving problems were obviously lower (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the hospitalization stay and expenditure were significantly shorter or lower in the intervention group than those in the control group, and the satisfaction degree on nursing service was obviously higher (P < 0.05). ConclusionThe health education pathway intervention can greatly improve mental status and coping capacity in family members of brain injury patients.