What is effective in promoting a healthy lifestyle in secure psychiatric settings? A review of the evidence for an integrated programme that targets modifiable health risk behaviours

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe healthy lifestyle initiatives in a secure psychiatric facility and the evidence base for these interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a detailed review of the literature on the physical health of psychiatric inpatients, a trans-diagnostic approach to behaviour change is advocated in selected areas.

Findings

Lifestyle strategy proposals were produced that incorporate the principle of “libertarian paternalism” in making changes to eating and exercise behaviour; a programme of motivational and reinforcement strategies; and facility-specific environmental restructuring to include maximising the therapeutic use of green space.

Practical implications

Instituting described changes needs to be accompanied by a programme of evaluation to assess intervention-specific physical health changes.

Originality/value

This paper provides a synthesis of findings in key areas of behaviour change relevant to improving the physical health of psychiatric patients in secure settings. It is a co-ordinated and interlinked lifestyle strategy that has applicability to similar services.

Citation

Long, C., Rowell, A., Rigg, S., Livesey, F. and McAllister, P. (2016), "What is effective in promoting a healthy lifestyle in secure psychiatric settings? A review of the evidence for an integrated programme that targets modifiable health risk behaviours", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 204-215. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-12-2015-0055