Physical Health Inequities in People with Severe Mental Illness: Identifying Initiatives for Practice Change

Abstract

People with severe mental illness have a higher prevalence of co-morbid physical diseases and a significantly reduced life expectancy when compared with people in the general population. This article explores the literature published between 2002 and 2012 in order to identify causes of poor physical health in those with severe mental illness and discusses interventions that may be implemented to enhance health outcomes for this group. The causes of poor physical health in those with severe mental illness are difficult to address. However, existing literature does identify some interventions that can potentially provide the basis for practice change.

The chasm of care: Where does the mental health nursing responsibility lie for the physical health care of people with severe mental illness?

“…For decades mental health and primary care providers have been aware of the poor physical health outcomes in people who have a mental illness (Lawrence et al 2003;Phelan et al 2001;Sartorius et al 1996), yet in 2015 they continue to have a reduced life expectancy of between 16-20 years when compared to the general population (Cunningham et al 2013;Druss et al 2010;Hayes et al 2012;Lawrence et al 2013;Vreeland et al 2010;Wheeler et al 2014). Furthermore, people who have a mental illness now die earlier than comparable groups did 30 years ago (Aschbrenner et al 2013;Bradshaw & Pedley 2012;Morden et al 2012) and this life expectancy disparity is increasing (De Hert et al 2011).…”

Recovery from psychosis: physical health, antipsychotic medication and the daily dilemmas for mental health nurses

“…) and include health behaviour, poor socio‐economic status (Cunningham et al . ) and a reduced likelihood of spontaneously reporting physical health concerns (Phelan et al . , van Os & Kapur ).…”

Refocusing on physical health: Community psychiatric nurses’ perceptions of using enhanced health checks for people with severe mental illness

“…As a population, they often receive inadequate physical health care (Cunningham et al . ; Lykouras & Douzenis ), and are typically more likely to adopt unhealthy lifestyle behaviours (Richardson et al . ; Scott et al .…”

“…As a population, they often receive inadequate physical health care (Cunningham et al 2013;Lykouras & Douzenis 2008), and are typically more likely to adopt unhealthy lifestyle behaviours (Richardson et al 2005;Scott et al 2012). Modifiable risks of cardiovascular disorders and respiratory diseases are also highly prevalent in this client group (Davidson et al 2001;Paton et al 2004;Robson & Gray 2007).…”