Applying the World Health Organization Mental Health Action Plan to evaluate policy on addressing co-occurrence of physical and mental illnesses in Australia.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to document Australian policies on the physical health of people with mental illness and evaluate the capacity of policy to support health needs.


METHODS
A search of state and federal policies on mental and physical illness was conducted, as well as detailed analysis of policy content and the relationships between policies, by applying the World Health Organization Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 as an evaluative framework.


RESULTS
National policy attention to the physical health of people with mental illness has grown, but there is little interconnection at the national and state levels. State policies across the country are inconsistent, and there is little evidence of consistent policy implementation.


CONCLUSIONS
A coherent national health policy framework on addressing co-occurring physical and mental illnesses that includes healthcare system reforms and ensuring the interconnectedness of other relevant services should be prioritised.
Research Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Practice, University of Canberra, Faculty of Health. Building 6, Level 3, Canberra Hospital, PO Box 11, Woden, ACT 2606, Australia.
Brenda
B
Happell
Research Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Practice, University of Canberra, Faculty of Health. Building 6, Level 3, Canberra Hospital, PO Box 11, Woden, ACT 2606, Australia.
Chris
C
Platania-Phung
Independent Consumer Academic, Life Expectancy Advocate (Mental Health).
Stephanie
S
Webster
School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia.
Brian
B
McKenna
Eastern Health, Melbourne, Vic. 3128, Australia. Email.
Freyja
F
Millar
School of Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Qld 4700, Australia. Email.
Robert
R
Stanton
University of Adelaide, School of Medicine, 30 Frome Road, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia. Email.
Cherrie
C
Galletly
St Vincents Hospital, PO Box 2900, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia. Email.
David
D
Castle
School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia.
Trentham
T
Furness
Northern Mental Health Service, 7--9 Park Terrace, Salisbury, SA 5108, Australia. Email.
Dennis
D
Liu
NorthWest Academic Centre, Sunshine Hospital, PO Box 294, 176 Furlong Road, St Albans, Vic. 3021, Australia. Email.
David
D
Scott
D001315:Australia; D015897:Comorbidity; D018166:Health Care Reform; D006291:Health Policy; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006302:Health Services Research; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D058996:Quality Improvement; D014944:World Health Organization