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Filling the gaps and finding our way: family carers navigating the healthcare system to access physical health services for the people they care for

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  • Brenda Happell
  • Karen Wilson
  • Chris Platania‐Phung
  • Robert Stanton

Abstract

Aims and Objectives To elicit the perspectives of carers of people with mental illness regarding access to, and experience with, physical healthcare services for mental health consumers. Background People diagnosed with mental illness have increased risks of physical illness and earlier death, problems able to be addressed through better physical health services. Carers of people with mental illness play a significant role in the mental healthcare system yet research examining their views is lacking. Design Qualitative exploratory. Methods In‐depth interviews were conducted with 13 mental health carers. They were asked to describe their views and experiences pertaining to the physical health and availability of physical health care for the people they care for. Data were analysed using the framework of Braun and Clarke. Results Analysis of carer responses identified two important themes: responsiveness and access, and a shortage of care coordination. Carers felt alienated from physical healthcare providers and were compelled to fill gaps in available care through persistence in ensuring access to physical healthcare services. Conclusions The findings identify carers as key stakeholders in the physical health care for the people they care for. Their involvement in accessing and coordinating care provides vital perspective on health service capacity, which requires further consideration in the practice and research domains. Relevance to clinical practice Carers of people diagnosed with mental illness are crucial to the effective delivery of mental health services. Their perspectives must be central to their research agenda and contribute to the development of initiatives to improve clinical practice and promote improved physical health care.

Suggested Citation

  • Brenda Happell & Karen Wilson & Chris Platania‐Phung & Robert Stanton, 2017. "Filling the gaps and finding our way: family carers navigating the healthcare system to access physical health services for the people they care for," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 26(13-14), pages 1917-1926, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:jocnur:v:26:y:2017:i:13-14:p:1917-1926
    DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13505
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zeber, J.E. & Copeland, L.A. & McCarthy, J.F. & Bauer, M.S. & Kilbourne, A.M., 2009. "Perceived access to general medical and psychiatric care among veterans with bipolar disorder," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(4), pages 720-727.
    2. Brenda Happell & David Scott & Janette Nankivell & Chris Platania‐Phung, 2013. "Screening physical health? Yes! But…: nurses’ views on physical health screening in mental health care," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 22(15-16), pages 2286-2297, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kathy Boschen & Caroline Phelan & Sharon Lawn, 2022. "NDIS Participants with Psychosocial Disabilities and Life-Limiting Diagnoses: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-23, August.

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