Minding our own bodies : reviewing the literature regarding the perceptions of service users diagnosed with SMI on barriers to accessing physical health care

Chadwick, AL; Street, C; McAndrew, S; Deacon, M

Abstract

International studies consistently demonstrate that individuals diagnosed with severe
mental illness (SMI) have an increased risk of co-morbid physical health problems and premature
death. During the past decade, government policy in the UK has focused on improving the physical
health of those with SMI. Despite this, international research has continued to report barriers
to accessing appropriate services. These have been identified as emanating from service users and
professionals alike, and also from institutional bureaucracy. Most of this research has reported
difficulties from the perspective of various professional groups, with little attention being paid to the
service user voice. Studies from the service user perspective undertaken in the past 10 years equate to
six qualitative and three quantitative studies, and it appears that poor physical health care remains a
problem in the developed world. The quality of this care is compromised by practical problems and
interpersonal difficulties between service users and health-care providers and between providers of
mental health services and those providing physical health care. This paper presents a review of the
nine international studies and discusses the implications for developing policy and practices that could
lead to improved physical health-care services for people experiencing SMI.

Citation

Chadwick, A., Street, C., McAndrew, S., & Deacon, M. (2012). Minding our own bodies : reviewing the literature regarding the perceptions of service users diagnosed with SMI on barriers to accessing physical health care. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 21(3), 211-219. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0349.2011.00807.x

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2012
• Deposit Date: May 8, 2012
• Journal: International Journal of Mental Health Nursing
• Print ISSN: 1445-8330
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 211-219
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0349.2011.00807.x
• Keywords: barriers, physical health, serious mental illness, service user perspective
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0349.2011.00807.x