The Physical Health Check: A tool for mental health workers

Abstract

Background: The physical health of people with mental illness is often poor. There is a need for mental health services to address the issue.

Aims: The Physical Health Check (PHC) is a short tool designed to be used by mental health staff to assess physical health needs. It was developed by a multidisciplinary research group, with the intention that it should be quick and easy to use, and acceptable to service users.

Results: When administered to 60 CMHT clients a high level of unmet physical needs were detected. These included the need for health promotion, as well as specific medical or other interventions. A comparison with routine practice in a neighbouring CMHT, suggests that use of the PHC significant improves the recording of physical health information.

Conclusions: the PHC is a useful tool, designed to be used routinely by mental health staff to assess physical health needs.

Declaration of interest: A small education grant from Eli Lilly was used to design and print copies of the PHC.

• Health screening
• physical health
• severe mental illness
• community mental health teams