title: Physical health nurse consultant role to improve physical health in mental health services: A carer's perspective.
abstract: The physical health of people diagnosed with a mental illness is significantly poorer in comparison with the general population. Awareness of this health disparity is increasing; however, strategies to address the problem are limited. Carers play an important role in the physical health care of people with mental illness, particularly in facilitating navigation of and advocating in the health care system. A specialist physical health nurse consultant position has been suggested as a way to address the physical health care disparity and limited research available suggests that positive outcomes are possible. In the present study, a qualitative exploratory research project was undertaken, involving in-depth interviews with people identifying as mental health carers. Two focus groups and one individual interview were conducted involving a total of 13 carers. The resulting data were analyzed thematically. Views and opinions about the proposed physical health nurse consultant (PHNC) position were sought during these interviews and are reported in this paper. Two main sub-themes were evident relating to characteristics of this role: reliability and consistency; and communication and support. Essentially carers expressed a need for support for themselves and consumers in addressing physical health concerns. Successful implementation of this position would require a consistent and reliable approach. Carers are significant stakeholders in the physical health of consumers of mental health services and their active involvement in identifying and tailoring services, including development of the physical health nurse consultant must be seen as a priority.
authors.affiliation: Synergy, Nursing and Midwifery Research Centre, University of Canberra, Faculty of Health, and ACT Health, Woden, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Happell
authors.affiliation: Synergy, Nursing and Midwifery Research Centre, University of Canberra, Faculty of Health, and ACT Health, Woden, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: Synergy, Nursing and Midwifery Research Centre, University of Canberra, Faculty of Health, and ACT Health, Woden, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Platania-Phung
authors.affiliation: Central Queensland University, School of Medical and Applied Sciences, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stanton
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003253:Consultants; D017144:Focus Groups; D006304:Health Status; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*
keywords: carers; communication; mental health; mental illness; nursing; physical health