Abstract
People with severe mental illness will die on average 15-‐20 years earlier than someone without a mental health problem. A small proportion of this excess mortality is related to suicide but 60% can be attributed to poor physical health, much of which depends on modifiable risk factors such as obesity and smoking. Patients with mental health problems experience a HEALTH GAP where their physical health needs are not met. They also experience a TREATMENT GAP finding it hard to access treatment, or receive adequate treatment: Patients with SMI are less likely to receive standard levels of care for chronic co-‐morbid conditions. Both NICE and the Royal College of Psychiatrists Guidelines recommend practitioners offer patients with SMI support with and monitoring of physical health parameters to reduce this health and treatment gap. This extended clinical audit provides a snapshot of current practice compared to national guidelines.
Original language | English |
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Publication status | Published - 2016 |