title: Development of a health screening clinic.
abstract: Medical morbidity and mortality levels remain elevated in people with schizophrenia compared with the general population. Despite the increasing recognition of an excess of physical health problems in this population, health screening remains limited. Medical risk in this population can be related to a variety of sources. The disease process itself as well as poor diet and sedentary lifestyle contribute to the overall physical health problems. In addition antipsychotic medication can contribute to the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic problems. The Dundee Health Screening Clinic was developed to address the needs of this population by monitoring physical health and providing follow-up to ensure that patients received the necessary care. The Clinic demonstrates how a coordinated approach can be used to take simple steps to improve the overall well-being of these patients. It was set up by adapting the manpower resources and procedures of the community mental health team and local resource centre, without specific additional funding. Simple clinical measurements and tests were conducted in the Clinic and patients clearly demonstrated on a satisfaction questionnaire that they considered the health checks important. This Clinic is an example of how a holistic approach can impact on both the physical and mental well-being of patients and offer them improved care and therefore a better quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Carseview Centre, 4 Tom McDonald Avenue, Dundee DD2 1NH, United-Kingdom. h.millar@nhs.net
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Millar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002423:Cause of Death; D003155:Community Mental Health Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012606:Scotland; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents