The attitudes and practices of community managed mental health service staff in addressing physical health: Findings from a targetted online survey

Objective: This is the first empirical study to examine the attitudes and practices of staff from Victorian Community Managed Mental Health services in addressing the physical health needs of consumers. Methods: An online survey of staff employed at Victorian Community Managed Mental Health services was conducted. Results: Victorian Community Managed Mental Health service staff are generally aware of the physical health issues faced by people who experience mental illness, and believe it is part of their role to address these issues. Staff provide support in many areas of physical health, most commonly in accessing primary health services, diet, exercise and substance use; and least commonly with accessing preventative health screening. Gaps in provision of support with physical health were identified amongst staff newer to the sector, with this group identifying the need for training in this area. Many services are developing partnerships with physical health services, although partnerships are less developed where services do not have strong organisational links with physical health services. Conclusions: Despite this study demonstrating that Community Managed Mental Health (CMMH) service staff generally see physical health as part of their role, further study would enable insight into their views on the nature and extent of this responsibility. Further physical health training focussed upon less experienced staff should include topics such as preventative health screening, substance use and the limitations of the health sector. The CMMH sector should continue to strengthen partnerships with physical health services in order to improve coordination.