Physical health and mental illness: listening to the voice of carers.
BACKGROUND
Shortened life expectancy of people with mental illness is now widely known and the focus of research and policy activity. To date, research has primarily reflected perspectives of health professionals with limited attention to the views and opinions of those most closely affected. The voice of carers is particularly minimal, despite policy stipulating carer participation is required for mental health services.


OBJECTIVE
To present views and opinions of carers regarding physical health of the people they care for.


METHODS
Qualitative exploratory. Two focus groups and one individual interview were conducted with 13 people identifying as carers of a person with mental illness. Research was conducted in the Australian Capital Territory. Data analysis was based on the thematic framework of Braun and Clarke.


RESULTS
Two main themes were interaction between physical and mental health; and, carers' own physical and mental health. Participants described the impact of mental illness and its treatments on physical health, including their own.


CONCLUSIONS
Carers are acknowledged as crucial for the delivery of high quality mental health services. Therefore they have an important role to play in addressing the poor physical health of people with mental illness. Hearing their views and opinions is essential.
a Synergy, Nursing and Midwifery Research Centre, University of Canberra and ACT Health , Australian Capital Territory , Australia and.
Brenda
B
Happell
a Synergy, Nursing and Midwifery Research Centre, University of Canberra and ACT Health , Australian Capital Territory , Australia and.
Karen
K
Wilson
a Synergy, Nursing and Midwifery Research Centre, University of Canberra and ACT Health , Australian Capital Territory , Australia and.
Chris
C
Platania-Phung
b Central Queensland University, School of Medical and Applied Sciences , Rockhampton , Queensland , Australia.
Robert
R
Stanton
D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D017144:Focus Groups; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008603:Mental Health; D036301:Qualitative Research
Carers; medication; mental health; mental illness; physical health; policy