Abstract
AimsPhysical activity (PA) has multiple health benefits for people with severe mental illness (SMI). Nevertheless, people with SMI engage in less exercise and more sedentary behaviour than the general population. Additionally, inpatient settings can exacerbate barriers to PA and facilitate sedentary behaviour. Staff's attitudes towards PA promotion may influence patient engagement. The aim of this study was to explore staff's views on PA for acute psychiatric inpatients, including enablers and barriers.MethodAn online anonymous survey with free text was sent to all 85 multidisciplinary team (MDT) members of two acute general adult wards, including nurses, doctors and allied health professionals. A qualitative approach was used to gain deeper understanding of the participants' perspectives. Manual thematic analysis was completed to identify discrete themes.ResultResponse rate was 64%, with 54 professionals responding. Notably, 100% agreed or strongly agreed that exercise is beneficial to physical and mental health. Nevertheless, 72% felt it was not easy to do PA with patients during their shift, while many reported they were able to encourage exercise but were unable to accompany patients to sessions. Specifically, participants reported lack of time (40%), high level of clinical activity (32%), lack of staff (30%), lack of PA resources inside the wards (20%) and conflicting priorities (18%), stopping them from helping patients to do more exercise. However, they felt more staff (28%), time dedicated to PA (26%), on-ward resources (18%), access to the gym and gardens (18%), staff dedicated to PA (16%) and staff trained in facilitating PA (10%), would help participants promote PA on the ward. Other suggestions to enable PA included a change in ward culture, valuing and promoting PA, daily patient encouragement by all MDT members instead of only occupational therapists, and PA promotion as part of mental health treatment and as physical health strategy. Finally, 70% of participants said they exercised regularly, although some reported lack of time or motivation, work commitments and workload-related exhaustion reducing their ability to exercise.ConclusionParticipants acknowledged the importance of PA for physical and mental health. Furthermore, they described multiple enablers and barriers. Prioritising PA during admission, providing on-ward activities, educating/training staff, reiterating that PA promotion is within all MDT members' job roles, and offering organisational support can contribute to improved PA provision and regular involvement of patients.An integrative approach to mental health and wellbeing, promoting PA in inpatient psychiatric settings is required.
Highlights
Co-occurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) did not prevent this child accessing trauma therapy. He engaged in symbolic play, made use of Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) interpretations, and achieved significant improvement in his symptoms
The differential diagnoses of trauma symptoms and ASD presenting in young children are discussed, alongside the importance of understanding and treating trauma in this context
As a GP starting training in psychiatry I am very aware of the importance of physical health and the overlap between physical health and mental health
Summary
This poster describes Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) in the treatment of severe trauma in a 4-year-old child with co-occurring Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The London Infant and Family Team (LIFT) implements the New Orleans Intervention Model. It targets the mental health needs of under 5 year olds, providing evidence based assessments and interventions for infants, their parents and foster carers within the framework of the Family Court in England. LIFT delivers a range of interventions including CPP - a relational treatment for young children who have experienced trauma. Co-occurrence of ASD did not prevent this child accessing trauma therapy He engaged in symbolic play, made use of CPP interpretations, and achieved significant improvement in his symptoms. The differential diagnoses of trauma symptoms and ASD presenting in young children are discussed, alongside the importance of understanding and treating trauma in this context
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
