Preparing non-government organization workers to conduct health checks for people with serious mental illness in regional Australia.

Abstract

Background The life expectancy of people living with a serious mental illness (SMI) is up to 10-15years less than the general population. They experience difficulties in accessing timely and appropriate physical health care. People with SMI living in regional Australia experience additional barriers to accessing services. This is in part due to the difficulties associated with recruiting and retaining health professionals in regional Australia. Aim To explore the regional non-government organization (NGO) workforce views of using a physical health care check list - the health improvement profile (HIP) - with people with a SMI. Gain insights into the workers' experiences of using the HIP. Understand which aspects of the HIP workers perceived as being most and least helpful. Learn how the HIP and the training program could be modified to better support its application in regional Australia. Method A focus group using a semi-structured interview was conducted with seven NGO employees who had been trained to use the HIP and subsequently used the HIP in their everyday work with patients. A mental health nurse (MHN) and a Psychology graduate working for the University of South Australia Department of Rural Health conducted the focus group. Results Using thematic analysis, the focus group discussion generated four main themes: taking control; accessing services; guiding my conversation; and working with others. The overall meta-theme was that lay workers can work effectively to address physical health problems in SMI patients. Conclusion Our observations highlight the important role lay workers in regional Australia have in helping people with SMI to address their physical health needs. They have an opportunity to extend their role in parts of the world where it is difficult to recruit MHNs.