Abstract

Author(s):

Brenda Happell

Affiliations:

University of Newcastle

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 health care system yet research examining their views is lacking. A qualitative exploratory study involving in-depth interviews with 13 mental health carers about their views and experiences pertaining to the physical health and availability of physical health care for the people they care for.

Analysis of carer responses identified two important themes: responsiveness and access, and a shortage of care coordination. Carers felt alienated from physical health care providers and were compelled to fill gaps in available care through persistence in ensuring access to physical health care services. The findings identify carers as key stakeholders in the physical health care of 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.