A role for mental health nursing in the physical health care of consumers with severe mental illness

B Happell; C Platania-Phung; R Gray; S Hardy; T Lambert; Margaret McAllister; C Davies

doi:10.1111/j.1365-2850.2010.01666.x

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A role for mental health nursing in the physical health care of consumers with severe mental illness

Journal article

Peer reviewed

A role for mental health nursing in the physical health care of consumers with severe mental illness

B Happell, C Platania-Phung, R Gray, S Hardy, T Lambert, Margaret McAllister and C Davies

Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Vol.18(8), pp.706-711

2011

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2850.2010.01666.x

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Abstract

comorbidity

physical care screening

severe mental illness

There is extensive international evidence that people with severe mental illness have a lower standard of physical health than the general population. This leads to higher morbidity and mortality rates. Many of the causes for this poor physical health are modifiable. Yet the physical needs of this consumer group are neglected by healthcare systems in Australia, and elsewhere. While medical specialists are clearly integral to remedying this, nurses are well placed to play a key role in focused prevention and early intervention in the physical well-being of consumers with mental health problems. This paper outlines the specifics on how mental health nurses can be sensitized, prepared and empowered to help turn this serious health issue around. In particular, mental health nurses could be trained in and then utilize a new physical health check and response system in the UK (called the Health Improvement Profile) if adapted for use within Australia. This profile will be briefly introduced, and then its value to improving health care discussed.

Details

Title: A role for mental health nursing in the physical health care of consumers with severe mental illness
Authors: B Happell (Author) - Central Queensland University
C Platania-Phung (Author) - Central Queensland University
R Gray (Author) - University of East Anglia, United Kingdom
S Hardy (Author) - University of East Anglia, United Kingdom
T Lambert (Author) - University of Sydney
Margaret McAllister (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
C Davies (Author) - Central Queensland University
Publication details: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Vol.18(8), pp.706-711
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Date published: 2011
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2850.2010.01666.x
ISSN: 1351-0126
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449989002621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Nursing; Psychiatry

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