Physical healthcare for people with serious mental illness

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to design and implement an audit of physical health monitoring for patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in primary care.

Design/methodology/approach

Evidence‐based criteria for physical health monitoring were developed from current clinical guidelines. Physical health monitoring of 128 patients with a diagnosis of either schizophrenia or bipolar disorder was audited against these criteria in two urban GP practices.

Findings

The number of patients whose smoking history, alcohol consumption history, blood pressure and body mass index had been recorded in the preceding 15 months varied significantly by practice, whilst recording of blood cholesterol and diabetes status did not. Patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were significantly more likely to have had a diabetes status recorded in the preceding 15 months compared to patients with bipolar disorder.

Research limitations/implications

Standards for compliance with audit criteria need to be debated and agreed with stakeholders. Further research is needed into how physical healthcare services can effectively engage patients with serious mental illness.

Practical implications

Audit of physical health monitoring in primary care is feasible and could be used to identify shortcomings in physical healthcare for people with serious mental illness. Inviting patients on practices' mental health registers for cardiovascular risk screening should be considered.

Social implications

Regular audit of physical health monitoring in people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may help ensure equitable healthcare delivery for patients with serious mental illness.

Originality/value

This paper presents an audit methodology that primary care trusts and general practitioners can use to assess how effectively the physical health of people with serious mental illness is being monitored.

Citation

Ratcliffe, T., Dabin, S. and Barker, P. (2011), "Physical healthcare for people with serious mental illness", Clinical Governance: An International Journal, Vol. 16 No. 1, pp. 20-28. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777271111104556