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Prevention and Treatment of Physical Health Problems in People with Severe Mental Illness From a Patient and Staff Perspective

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 April 2020

C. Kristiansen
Affiliation:
Department M, Aarhus University Hospital, Risskov, Denmark
A. Kynde
Affiliation:
Department M, Aarhus University Hospital, Risskov, Denmark
M. Vinther Hansen
Affiliation:
Department M, Aarhus University Hospital, Risskov, Denmark
A. Hansen
Affiliation:
Psychiatric Hospital, Psychiatry Vest, Herning, Denmark
R. Kilian
Affiliation:
Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie II, University of Ulm, Günzburg, Germany
P. Munk-Jørgensen
Affiliation:
Department M, Aarhus University Hospital, Risskov, Denmark
P. Hjorth
Affiliation:
Mental Health Centre Randers, Psychiatric Hospital, Randers, Denmark

Abstract

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Introduction

Severe mental illness is associated with increased risk of premature death due to chronic somatic diseases. Patients with severe mental illness receive less medical care regarding these problems, than others, and that it is not well defined with whom the responsibility of treating their physical health problems lies.

Objectives

There is a need for lifestyle interventions and focus on physical health in patients with severe mental illness. The patients' and staff perspective upon the problems and possibilities of change is important.

Aims

To investigate physical health problems and their causes as well as possibilities for preventing and treating them, as experienced by the staff and patients.

Methods

Focus Group Discussions with patients and staff respectively, from three out-patient clinics treating patients with schizophrenia or substance use disorder comorbid to another psychiatric disorder.

Results

The paramount physical health problems are weight issues, cardiovascular diseases and bad physical shape in general. The main causes are lifestyle, the mental disorder and organisational issues. Possibilities for prevention and treatment includes: a case-manger, binding communities with like-minded. Furthermore less fragmentation of the treatment system and implementation of focus upon physical health into daily practice in psychiatry.

Conclusions

To prevent and treat physical health problems in patients with severe mental illness, support in daily structure and lifestyle changes is needed. There is a need for a change in clinical practice and implementation of routines regarding physical health, supported by the managements.

Type
Article: 1923
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2015
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