Developing an evidence-based specialist nursing role to improve the physical health care of people with mental illness

Happell, Brenda, Platania-Phung, Chris, Watkins, Andrew, Scholz, Brett, Curtis, Jackie, Goss, John, Niyonsenga, Theophile, and Stanton, Robert (2019) Developing an evidence-based specialist nursing role to improve the physical health care of people with mental illness. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 40 (10). pp. 832-838.

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Abstract

The substantial physical health disadvantage experienced by people diagnosed with mental illness is now identified in a growing body of research evidence. The recent promulgation of improved physical health care as a goal of contemporary Australian Mental Health Policy should provide impetus for initiatives and strategies to address this inequity. To date increased knowledge of the problem has not resulted in obvious and sustained changes. The aim of this article is to introduce the role of the Physical Health Nurse Consultant as a potential strategy. The potential contribution and value of this role is considered by reviewing the evidence from the perspective of multiple stakeholders and considering the suitability of nursing to meet the complex needs involved in improving physical health. The requirement for a multi-faceted and comprehensive evaluation is also articulated. A robust, prospective and long-term evaluation plan includes physical health measures, changes in health behaviours, cost-benefit analysis and consumer acceptability to ensure the intervention is effective in the long term. This thorough approach is essential to provide the level of evidence required to facilitate changes at the practice and policy levels. The specialist nursing role presented in this article, subject to the comprehensive evaluation proposed, could become an integral component of a comprehensive approach to addressing physical health inequities in people with mental illness.

Item ID: 62115
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1096-4673
Keywords: Evaluation, health inequalities, mental health, mental health nursing, physical health, physical health nurse consultant psychosis
Copyright Information: © 2019 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Date Deposited: 11 Mar 2020 03:55
FoR Codes: 42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4205 Nursing > 420599 Nursing not elsewhere classified @ 50%
42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4203 Health services and systems > 420313 Mental health services @ 50%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920209 Mental Health Services @ 100%
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