Initiatives to improve physical health for people in community-based mental health programs

Abstract

This Evidence Check commissioned by NSW Ministry of Health aimed to evaluate delivery of physical health interventions for people living with a mental illness, delivered though community mental health programs. The review found that sufficient evidence exists to support a number of interventions, with further evaluation; and identified and describes key characteristics for effectiveness such as duration of the intervention and mode of delivery (e.g. face-to-face or telephone, group or individual). The supported interventions and/or actions included: multi-strategy lifestyle behaviour change interventions; care delivery models including peer-led self-management and staff delivered interventions; integration of new physical health care models or initiatives; referral to other services (e.g. telephone Quitline); assessing barriers and enablers prior to implementation; and the involvement of peer workers and consumers in design and delivery.