Premium
Embedding a physical health nurse consultant within mental health services: Consumers’ perspectives
Author(s) -
Happell Brenda,
Ewart Stephanie B.,
PlataniaPhung Chris,
Bocking Julia,
Griffiths Kathleen,
Scholz Brett,
Stanton Robert
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
international journal of mental health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.911
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1447-0349
pISSN - 1445-8330
DOI - 10.1111/inm.12185
Subject(s) - mental health , nursing , life expectancy , health care , exploratory research , psychology , qualitative research , quality of life (healthcare) , expectancy theory , population , focus group , medicine , business , psychiatry , sociology , social psychology , environmental health , marketing , social science , anthropology , economics , economic growth
The life expectancy of people living with mental illness is significantly shorter than that of the rest of the population. Despite the profound impact of physical health issues on both quality of life and life expectancy, the perspectives of mental health consumers have yet to be thoroughly explored. Furthermore, research has focused far more on describing barriers than on identifying solutions. This paper reports on findings from a qualitative exploratory research study, with the aim to examine the potential role of a specialist nurse with advanced physical health‐care skills. Focus groups were conducted with 31 consumers. Data were analysed thematically. The concept of a role like this was supported; however, participants stressed: (i) the importance of integration between health professionals and various components of the health‐care system; and (ii) the need for culture change for nurses to work from a less medically‐dominated approach. Previous research literature suggests that a nursing position dedicated to physical health care and coordination might produce positive outcomes for mental health consumers. The findings from the current research project emphasize the need for consumers to be identified as key stakeholders in a solution‐focused approach to improved physical health care for mental health consumers.