Abstract

Authors: K Moss¹,², E Heffernan²,³, C Meurk²,³, M Steele²,³

Affiliations:

1 .West Moreton Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
2. Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
3. Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Brisbane, Australia

Background:
Implementation science developed out of the finding that evidence-based practices take, on average, seventeen years to be incorporated into routine practice in health. There is now widespread evidence documenting the benefits of physical activity for patients with severe mental illness. A forensic setting poses unique challenges with regards to implementing physical activity interventions for patients. Despite this, incorporating physical activity into treatment programs for patients who reside in government run secure settings can be regarded as an important component of recovery and care.

Objectives:
This presentation will report the preliminary findings of a questionnaire informed by implementation science (theoretical domains framework) and semi-structured interviews with patients exploring barriers and facilitators to physical activity for patients with severe mental illness residing in a secure facility.

Methods:
This study will gather qualitative data using a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews.

Findings:
The following data regarding physical activity in a high secure setting will be reported on: (i) patient knowledge, (ii) environmental context and resources, (iii) motivations and goals, (iv) beliefs about capabilities, (v) skills, (vi) emotions, (vii) social influences, (viii) beliefs about consequences, (ix) action planning, (x) coping planning and (xi) goal conflict.

Conclusions:
This study highlights the barriers and facilitators to physical activity as reported and experienced by forensic patients with severe mental illnesses residing in a secure facility. Implementation science can assist in identifying these factors.