The same but different: discussing the literature regarding mental health nurses' difficulty in meeting the physical health needs of service users, regardless of differing education programmes

Accessible summary In the Western world, many people who have mental health problems experience poor physical health. Research suggests that those with mental illness often have difficulties in accessing health care services, reporting that when they do, their physical health needs are often overlooked. Nurses are expected to deliver safe and effective care that meets the needs of service users. In order to help mental health nurses address physical health care needs, changes to nurse education, supported by government policy, have been made in the United Kingdom. Despite these changes, mental health nurses still feel less confident and prepared to address physical health needs of service users. However, this same problem is also reported by nurses throughout Europe and in other Western countries, who have undergone different training and education programmes. This paper discusses important factors affecting the mental health nurses' ability to deliver physical care and how they impact on confidence and competence. The paper concludes by highlighting the role of the mental health nurse being key in addressing the physical health needs of those in their care, and how this will only be realized when education and practice provide sufficient opportunity for them to develop and maintain their knowledge and skills.Abstract In the W estern world, there is increasing concern regarding the ability of health care professionals to meet the physical health care needs of those diagnosed with mental illness. This discussion paper seeks to explore some of the issues facing mental health nurses in delivering care to those who have both mental and physical illness. Criticism of the N ational H ealth S ervice for failing to meet the physical health needs of people with serious mental illness has generated a number of political strategies aimed at addressing inequalities between mental and physical health care, a consequence being a change in pre‐registration nurse education. It is envisaged that such changes will enable all nurses to deliver safe, effective care to service users, with adult and mental health nurses being more adept at meeting both the mental and physical health needs of those in their care. The impact of three key areas identified within the literature will be considered: the impact of co‐existing physical and mental illness; the role of mental health nurses and perceptions of service users re physical health care; and education, training and learning from others in the W estern world. In conclusion, the complexities of delivering such care will be addressed.