A Model worth Sharing: A Community Mental Health Clinic with an Award Winning Integrated Physical Health Program

Abstract

The lifespan of people with severe mental illness (SMI) is shorter compared to the general population. This excess mortality is mainly due to physical illness. (De Hert et al 2011). Mental health services should be able to provide at least a standard routine assessment of their patients, in order to identify or suspect the presence of physical health problems. (Maj, M 2009) The first step in addressing the gap between psychiatric and health management is to integrate physical health into mental health planning. (Miller, H 2008) The paper provides an overview of the innovative nurse led Physical Health Program which has successfully integrated into the core business of a community mental health clinic within Melbourne’s public health service and created working partnerships with primary care and community health. The paper provides an overview of the innovative nurse led Physical Health Program which has successfully integrated into the core business of a community mental health clinic within Melbourne’s public health service and created working partnerships with primary care and community health. Dedicated nursing roles and the development of a unique approach provides a barrier free long term care model which has returned high rates of engagement with consumers in addressing their physical health needs and goals. The model, which has been promoted for replication across the service, showcases best practice, the value of collaborative working with our community health and primary care partners, and the substantial progress and effective outcomes that can be achieved when a mental health nurses takes the lead in innovation and change.