Film: How to improve the physical health of people with severe mental illness

How to improve the physical health of people with severe mental illness

Free online training for primary care professionals - 33 minute video

People with severe mental illness are likely to die up to 25 years earlier than the general population. Research shows that 75% of these cases are caused from preventable physical illnesses. As a primary care professional, you can help reduce these unnecessary deaths.

The purpose of the health check is to improve health and reduce mortality. For this to be achieved, most people will need follow up support to change unhealthy behaviour. Practical modifications to the way appointments are organised may also need to be made to ensure they are not disadvantaged compared with the general population in accessing healthcare.

This film has been adapted from training that is endorsed by the Royal College of Nursing. You can download an accompanying handout which has some reflective questions – these are useful for revalidation.

This project has been developed by NHS England and NHS Improvement – South East and
Health Education England, in partnership with the Charlie Waller Trust.

Some important notes

• Copyright ownershipis shared jointly between Charlie Waller Trust and NHS England and NHS Improvement South East
• UK-wide relevance:This resource was developed by Charlie Waller Trust and NHS Improvement and NHS England South East, but we fully intend it to be of relevance to the whole of England as well as to the other UK devolved nations
• Correction:Please note that due to a technical error there is some text: ‘Why are injections prescribed instead of tablets?’ on the screen ‘Monitoring lithium’ at 27 minuteswhich should not be there.
• This training is due forreview in 2024