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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Abisola Balogun
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2022, The Author(s).Background: People with severe mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia, have higher rates of physical long-term conditions (LTCs), poorer health outcomes, and shorter life expectancy compared with the general population. Previous research exploring SMI and diabetes highlights that people with SMI experience barriers to self-management, a key component of care in long-term conditions; however, this has not been investigated in the context of other LTCs. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experience of co-existing SMI and LTCs for service users, carers, and healthcare professionals. Methods: A qualitative study with people with SMI and LTCs, their carers, and healthcare professionals, using semi-structured interviews, focused observations, and focus groups across the UK. Forty-one interviews and five focus groups were conducted between December 2018 and April 2019. Transcripts were coded by two authors and analysed thematically. Results: Three themes were identified, 1) the precarious nature of living with SMI, 2) the circularity of life with SMI and LTCs, and 3) the constellation of support for self-management. People with co-existing SMI and LTCs often experience substantial difficulties with self-management of their health due to the competing demands of their psychiatric symptoms and treatment, social circumstances, and access to support. Multiple long-term conditions add to the burden of self-management. Social support, alongside person-centred professional care, is a key facilitator for managing health. An integrated approach to both mental and physical healthcare was suggested to meet service user and carer needs. Conclusion: The demands of living with SMI present a substantial barrier to self-management for multiple co-existing LTCs. It is important that people with SMI can access person-centred, tailored support for their LTCs that takes into consideration individual circumstances and priorities.
Author(s): Carswell C, Brown JVE, Lister J, Ajjan RA, Alderson SL, Balogun-Katung A, Bellass S, Double K, Gilbody S, Hewitt CE, Holt RIG, Jacobs R, Kellar I, Peckham E, Shiers D, Taylor J, Siddiqi N, Coventry P
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: BMC Psychiatry
Year: 2022
Volume: 22
Issue: 1
Online publication date: 19/07/2022
Acceptance date: 30/06/2022
Date deposited: 08/08/2022
ISSN (electronic): 1471-244X
Publisher: BioMed Central Ltd
URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-04117-5
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04117-5
PubMed id: 35850709
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