Developing the mental health workforce to meet the physical health needs of people with a serious mental illness

Abstract

As the interaction between physical and mental health becomes more established, the importance of integrating physical and mental healthcare is increasing. Physical illnesses have been found to cause two in three deaths in people with a serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia, highlighting the considerable need for more integrated care.1 Moreover, UK-based data have found that a diagnosis of a SMI is linked to a reduced life expectancy of up to 18 years,2 mainly due to physical health conditions.3 Current research has shown that the mortality gap between individuals with a SMI and the general population is widening4; therefore, immediate action is critical to reverse this.\n\nAs UK-based healthcare services pivot towards community-based care, this setting must be targeted to improve the physical health of people with SMI. All healthcare professionals, particularly within mental health services, must understand the importance of physical health in SMI alongside how to monitor and interpret changes in physical health. Furthermore, mental health professionals should feel confident to offer advice and support regarding physical health, to encourage preventative rather than reactive measures. A workforce development programme including both awareness and skills training may be required to support professionals to make these changes in practice, with simulation training a well-placed educational tool. This project aimed to design, deliver and evaluate the impact of a multi-session training programme to promote the skills of mental healthcare professionals in providing …