Health promotion in individuals with mental disorders: a cluster preference randomized controlled trial

Cost-effectiveness analysis of physical activity interventions for people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder: systematic review

BACKGROUND

Clinical guidelines recommend providing physical activity interventions (PAIs) to people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder for weight management. However, the cost-effectiveness of PAIs is unknown.

AIMS

To evaluate the availability and methodological quality of economic evaluations of PAIs for people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

METHOD

Four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo and Scopus) were searched on 5 July 2022. Based on the retrieved studies, forward and backward citation searches were conducted. Two reviewers independently selected studies for inclusion. Study quality was assessed using the Drummond checklist. Review results were presented using narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

Fourteen articles reporting nine studies were included. All included studies assessed PAIs within a multicomponent lifestyle intervention. Mixed findings were reported on the cost-effectiveness of multicomponent lifestyle intervention: three studies reported it as cost-effective; four studies reported it as not cost-effective; and two studies did not conclude whether it was cost-effective or not. Very limited evidence suggests that certain patient subgroups might be more likely to benefit from multicomponent lifestyle interventions with a PAI component: men; individuals with comorbid type 2 diabetes; and individuals who have been psychiatric hospital in-patients for ≥1 year. The quality of included studies ranged from moderate to high.

CONCLUSIONS

The current economic evidence suggests that not all modalities of multicomponent lifestyle intervention including a PAI component are cost-effective for people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder; and not all people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder would benefit equally from the intervention. Future research is urgently needed to identify the cost-effective modality of PAI for different patient subgroups.

Nurse-Led Physical Health Interventions for People with Mental Illness: A Scoping Review of International Literature

People with mental illness have a higher prevalence of co-occurring physical health conditions and poor health behaviors, leading a mortality gap of up to 16 years, compared with the general population. Nurses working in mental health settings play an important role in addressing factors influencing sub-optimal physical health. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to identify nurse-led physical health interventions and align interventions to eight recognized physical healthcare priority areas (i.e. Equally Well in Victoria Framework). A systematic search strategy was used to identify relevant literature. Data extraction included alignment to the Equally Well priority areas, research design, and indication of co-design (meaningful and collaborative involvement of consumers and significant others) and recovery-oriented practice (focusing on needs and goals of a consumer's recovery journey). All included papers (n = 74) were aligned to at least one of eight Equally Well priority areas. Papers were predominately quantitative (n = 64, 86%), with the remainder mixed methods (n = 9, 9%) or qualitative (n = 4, 5%). Most papers were aligned to improving metabolic health and support to quit smoking. One study focused on nurse-led intervention designed to reduce falls. Recovery-oriented practice was evident in six papers. No paper described evidence of co-design. A research gap was identified for nurse-led intervention to reduce falls and improve dental/oral care. Relative to mental healthcare policy, there is a need for future nurse-led physical health research to be co-designed and include recovery-oriented practice. Evaluation and description of future nurse-led physical interventions should seek to report perspectives of key stakeholders as these remain relatively unknown.

Effectiveness of nutrition and dietary interventions for people with serious mental illness: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To review recent published trials of nutrition and dietary interventions for people with serious mental illness; to assess their effectiveness in improving metabolic syndrome risk factors.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised and non-randomised controlled trials of interventions with a nutrition/diet-related component delivered to people with serious mental illness, published 1 January 2010 - 6 September 2021. Primary outcomes were weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Secondary outcomes were total serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood glucose levels.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and CENTRAL databases. In addition, reference lists of relevant publications were examined for further additional studies.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Twenty-five studies encompassing 26 intervention arms were included in our analysis. Eight studies were at low or some risk of bias, seventeen were deemed to be at high risk. Eight of seventeen intervention arms found statistically significant intervention effects on weight, ten of 24 on BMI, and seven of seventeen on waist circumference. The pooled effects of nutrition interventions on metabolic syndrome risk factors were statistically non-significant. However, we identified small size effects on weight for interventions delivered by dietitians (five studies; 262 intervention, 258 control participants; standardised mean difference [SMD], -0.28; 95% CI, -0.51 to -0.04) and interventions consisting of individual sessions only (three studies; 141 intervention, 134 control participants; SMD, -0.30; 95% CI, -0.54 to -0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

We found only limited evidence for nutrition interventions improving metabolic syndrome risk factors in people with serious mental illness. However, they may be more effective when delivered on an individual basis or by dietitians.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION

CRD42021235979 (prospective).

The impact of nutrition and lifestyle modification on health

The main recommendations from public health entities include healthy diets and physical activity as the main lifestyle factors impacting the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, cancer, and even neurological diseases. Randomized clinical trials have been designed to demonstrate those lifestyle modifications can change the pattern of chronic diseases development and progression. Among these, nutrition is one of the most impacting factors. Therefore, nutrition and diets were also included in different randomized clinical trials, and most of them showed a favorable impact of nutrition modification on the participant's health. Nevertheless, study designs were considerably different, and future studies are needed to support nutrition modifications further. The choice of a healthy considered diet, like the Mediterranean diet, was shown to impact chronic diseases, cardiovascular risk, and adult life expectancy mainly due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, a high intake of fibers, fruits, and vegetables together with a low intake of fat and energy-dense, processed foods contribute to an inflammation reduction and a more robust immune system leading. Besides these well-known properties, all lifestyle modifications must be personalized according to the availability of foods, geographic localizations, and the healthy status of the patient.

Lifestyle interventions for people with a severe mental illness living in supported housing: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Although supported housing facilities (SHF) appear to be an ideal setting for supporting people with severe mental illness (SMI) to obtain a healthier lifestyle, little is known about the effects of lifestyle interventions in SHF and the factors contributing to successful implementation. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of lifestyle interventions on mental and physical health in people with SMI in SHF, and reviewed which intervention factors contribute to successful implementation. A meta-analysis using a random effects model was undertaken. Discussions were reviewed to identify factors that foster successful implementation. Of 7401 identified studies, 9 RCTs (n = 1260) were included for the systematic review and 8 (n = 1187) for the meta-analysis. Improvements in weight (n = 3), BMI (n = 1), 6-Min Walk Test (n = 1) and metabolic criteria (n = 2) were seen. In the meta-analysis we only found a small effect for a decrease in waist circumference. Reviewing factors involved with the implementation showed that the most successfully implemented interventions were multidisciplinary and integrated into standard care. In conclusion, we found limited evidence for the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions on physical health for those living in SHF. To reliably examine the effects on mental and physical health, more studies with high involvement of staff and participants are needed.

How to improve the physical health of people with severe mental illness? A multicentric randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of a lifestyle group intervention

Background

People with severe mental illnesses (SMI) have a mortality rate two times higher compared to the general population, with a decade of years of life lost. In this randomized controlled trial (RCT), we assessed in a sample of people with bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorder, the efficacy of an innovative psychosocial group intervention compared to a brief psychoeducational group intervention on patients’ body mass index (BMI), body weight, waist circumference, Framingham and HOMA-IR indexes.

Methods

This is a multicentric RCT with blinded outcome assessments carried out in six Italian university centers. After recruitment patients were randomized to receive a 6-month psychosocial intervention to improve patients’ physical health or a brief psychoeducational intervention. All recruited patients were assessed with standardized assessment instruments at baseline and after 6 months. Anthropometric parameters and blood samples have also been collected.

Results

Four-hundred and two patients with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder (43.3%), schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder (29.9%), or major depression (26.9%) were randomly allocated to the experimental (N = 206) or the control group (N = 195). After 6 months, patients from the experimental group reported a significant reduction in BMI (odds ratio [OR]: 1.93, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.31–2.84; p < 0.001), body weight (OR = 4.78, 95% CI: 0.80–28.27, p < 0.05), and waist circumference (OR = 5.43, 95% CI: 1.45–20.30, p < 0.05). Participants with impaired cognitive and psychosocial functioning had a worse response to the intervention.

Conclusions

The experimental group intervention was effective in improving the physical health in SMI patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the feasibility of this intervention in real-world settings.

Improving quality of life through the routine use of the patient concerns inventory for head and neck cancer patients: main results of a cluster preference randomised controlled trial

PURPOSE

The patient concerns inventory (PCI) is a prompt list allowing head and neck cancer (HNC) patients to discuss issues that otherwise might be overlooked. This trial evaluated the effectiveness of using the PCI at routine outpatient clinics for one year after treatment on health-related QOL (HRQOL).

METHODS

A pragmatic cluster preference randomised control trial with 15 consultants, 8 'using' and 7 'not using' the PCI intervention. Patients treated with curative intent (all sites, disease stages, treatments) were eligible.

RESULTS

Consultants saw a median (inter-quartile range) 16 (13-26) patients, with 140 PCI and 148 control patients. Of the pre-specified outcomes, the 12-month results for the mean University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOLv4) social-emotional subscale score suggested a small clinical effect of intervention of 4.6 units (95% CI 0.2, 9.0), p = 0.04 after full adjustment for pre-stated case-mix. Results for UW-QOLv4 overall quality of life being less than good at 12 months (primary outcome) also favoured the PCI with a risk ratio of 0.83 (95% CI 0.66, 1.06) and absolute risk 4.8% (- 2.9%, 12.9%) but without achieving statistical significance. Other non-a-priori analyses, including all 12 UWQOL domains and at consultant level also suggested better HRQOL with PCI. Consultation times were unaffected and the number of items selected decreased over time.

CONCLUSION

This novel trial supports the integration of the PCI approach into routine consultations as a simple low-cost means of benefiting HNC patients. It adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the use of patient prompt lists more generally.

Feasibility and Process Evaluation of a Need-Supportive Physical Activity Program in Aged Care Workers: The Activity for Well-Being Project

The need to undertake pilot testing and evaluation of novel health promotion programs has become increasingly apparent for the purpose of understanding the true effects of complex interventions and for testing and refining behavioral theories that these interventions are informed by. A mixed-methods process evaluation and feasibility study was undertaken for a need-supportive physical activity program that was piloted in a single-group pre–post study. The piloted program was designed to support participant needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness through evidence-based and theory-informed behavior change strategies including a motivational interviewing style appointment, education on self-management tools (i.e., pedometers, goal setting, action and coping planning, a customized website for goal setting and self-monitoring), and self-determined methods of regulating physical activity intensity [affect, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and self-pacing]. The program aimed to positively impact physical activity behavior, psychological well-being, and associated motivational processes. Reach, adoption, fidelity, context, change and performance objectives, and feasibility of the program were evaluated using information from survey respondents from the target population (n = 118) and implementing staff (n = 6); questionnaires from pilot study participants (n = 21); and individual semi-structured interviews with a combination of pilot study participants, non-participants, and implementing staff (n = 19). Process evaluation of the Activity for Well-Being program found that the reach of the program was moderate but adoption was low. The use of self-management tools and self-determined methods of regulating physical activity intensity appeared to be feasible. The website had mixed responses and low engagement. The element of having a support person elicited a strong positive response in the program participant interviews. Involving local implementing staff more directly into the delivery of the intervention could have potentially improved reach, adoption, and feasibility of the program.

Exercise is medicine: a new perspective for health promotion in bipolar disorder

INTRODUCTION

Similar effects in reducing the symptoms of the mood disorder are reported in the literature compared the action of drugs and aerobic exercise sessions, demonstrating the potential of exercise in the control and mood stabilization. Therefore, there are many reasons to believe that the increased cardiorespiratory fitness (VO_2max) can be an important means of protection and a reducing potential of physical and mental damage in bipolar disorders (BD). This review will highlight the current pattern of response of exercise on the pathophysiology of BD, relating the possible mechanisms, and hypotheses based on exercises.

AREAS COVERED

The mechanism of monoaminergic action and its relationship with exercise, role of physical conditioning and increased VO_2Max on neurotrophin release, and new perspectives on long-term exercise will be reviewed.

EXPERT OPINION

The adaptations to training, although little explored in the context of BD, can induce the expression of substances that co-regulate several processes related to the pathophysiology of BD. Furthermore, high intensity interval training (HIIT) can also be adjusted to improve the physical fitness and health in patients with BD. Future research is needed to adopt a training strategy that is both time efficient and adequate for the population in question.

Recovery in Supported Accommodations: A Scoping Review and Synthesis of Interventions for People with Severe Mental Illness

Research on the recovery domains beside clinical recovery of people with severe mental illness in need of supported accommodations is limited. The aim of this study was (1) to investigate which recovery interventions exist for this group of people and (2) to explore the scientific evidence. We conducted a scoping review, including studies with different designs, evaluating the effectiveness the recovery interventions available. The search resulted in 53 eligible articles of which 22 focused on societal recovery, six on personal recovery, five on functional recovery, 13 on lifestyle-interventions, and seven on creative and spiritual interventions. About a quarter of these interventions showed added value and half of them initial promising results. The research in this area is still limited, but a number of recovery promoting interventions on other areas than clinical recovery have been developed and evaluated. Further innovation and research to strengthen and repeat the evidence are needed.

Motivational theory-based interventions on health of people with several mental illness: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Motivational theory-based interventions are known to be effective for increasing physical activity (PA) in the general population but their effects in people with severe mental illness are poorly understood. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis on the effect of these interventions on PA and cardiometabolic risk factors. A systematic search of randomized controlled trials through 6 databases was carried out from inception to March 2019. Analyses were conducted using random-effect models. Weighted mean difference (WMD) were used as effect size when outcomes had the same units, otherwise Hedge's g was used. Fourteen articles including 2128 participants were identified. Motivational theory-based interventions were effective in increasing PA (g = 0.27, 95%CI[0.03; 0.51], p = .003), reducing weight (WMD = -1.87 kg, 95%CI[-2.98; -0.76], p = .001), body mass index (WMD = -0.82 kg/m², 95%CI[-1.23; -0.41], p = .009), waist circumference (WMD = -1.91 cm, 95%CI[-3.63; -0.18], p = .03) and fasting glucose (g = -0.17, 95%CI[-0.34; -0.001], p = .04). Larger effect sizes were found in interventions based on only one theoretical model of motivation. In conclusion, interventions using motivational theories are effective to improve PA levels and the cardiometabolic health profile of people with severe mental illness. Systematic review registration: CRD42018104445.

Feasibility, preliminary efficacy, and safety of a randomized clinical trial for Asian Women's Action for Resilience and Empowerment (AWARE) intervention

To our knowledge, Asian Women's Action for Resilience and Empowerment (AWARE) is the first gender- and culture-specific and trauma-informed group psychotherapy intervention designed for Asian-American young women with histories of interpersonal violence and trauma and/or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) diagnosis. We employed a 2-arm randomized controlled trial. Sixty-three women who met clinical criteria for trauma were randomized to the intervention (n = 32) or waitlist control (n = 31) group. We documented retention rates, preliminary efficacy for sexual risk behaviors and depressive symptoms (overall and stratified by PTSD at baseline), and safety in terms of suicidality at baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up. AWARE demonstrated high retention rates, in that 87.50% of those enrolled in the program completed at least 6 out of the 8 sessions. Although there were no differences overall for sexual risk behaviors or depressive symptoms, among women with PTSD, significant reductions in depressive symptoms were observed in treatment compared to control, with an effect size of .84. Suicidal ideation and intent were reduced in both the treatment and control groups, with no attempts during the trial. AWARE is uniquely tailored to serve a pressing clinical need. These results support its feasibility and safety. A large-scale trial targeted at women with PTSD is recommended to further explore the efficacy of AWARE. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

An appraisal of methodology reporting in lifestyle interventions among people with psychosis: A systematic review

ISSUE ADDRESSED

Lifestyle interventions use nutrition and physical activity behaviour modification techniques to decrease obesity and cardio-metabolic risk in people with psychosis. Evidence on the specific behaviour modification strategies applied to decrease obesity is weakened by inadequate methodology reporting of lifestyle interventions. A systematic review that we conducted earlier highlighted a possible deficiency in reporting; hence we aim to critically appraise lifestyle intervention studies that target weight outcomes for people with psychosis against the methods component of the CONSORT statement for randomised trials of nonpharmacologic treatments.

METHODS COMPONENT

We considered randomised controlled studies which delivered lifestyle interventions to community-dwelling adults with psychotic disorders, and included those with the following outcomes of interest: weight, body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio. The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE/PREMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus and PsycINFO were searched for English publications between 1985 and 2018. Methodology and reporting of studies were evaluated using the CONSORT statement for randomised trials of nonpharmacologic treatments.

RESULTS

Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Critical appraisals revealed that reporting of lifestyle intervention studies was generally incomplete. Fewer than 50% provided the recommended information on trial design, participant characteristics, detail of interventions, outcomes, sample size, randomisation, blinding and statistical methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of guidelines, like the CONSORT statement, in future publications of lifestyle interventions for people with psychosis will improve accuracy of reporting. SO WHAT?: Enhanced reporting in lifestyle intervention studies for people with psychosis will promote guideline creation and translation of research, which is likely to positively impact physical health outcomes.

Increasing physical activity and healthy diet in outpatients with mental disorders: a randomized-controlled evaluation of two psychological interventions

INTRODUCTION

While physical activity (PA) can play an important role in the treatment of mental disorders (MD), large proportions of patients with MD do not meet PA recommendations. The aim of this trial was to evaluate whether structured psychological intervention (MoVo-LISA) is effective in helping outpatients with MD to increase their level of PA. As active control group (CG) we modified MoVo-LISA to target healthy diet behavior.

METHODS

N = 83 outpatients with MD (F1-F4) were randomized to the two conditions. PA (self-report and accelerometry), dietary behavior, social-cognitive determinants of health behavior change, psychiatric symptoms and health-related quality of life were assessed at baseline, 1 and 12 weeks after the intervention.

RESULTS

Significant time*group interaction effects for objectively measured PA, dietary behavior and fruit and vegetable consumption indicated differential effects of the interventions on these outcomes. PA increased in the MoVo-LISA group (IG) from baseline to follow-up while it decreased in CG. IG showed a significant higher level of objectively measured PA at follow-up compared to CG. Dietary behavior and fruit and vegetable consumption significantly increased from baseline to follow-up in CG, but not IG. IG showed a significant increase in some, but not all social cognitive determinants of health behavior change.

CONCLUSIONS

MoVo-LISA is effective in helping outpatients with MD to increase their level of PA in short- and mid-term. The used intervention strategies are effective for the promotion of healthy diet in patients with MD as well.

Improving quality of life through the routine use of the patient concerns inventory for head and neck cancer patients: a cluster preference randomized controlled trial

Background

The consequences of treatment for Head and Neck cancer (HNC) patients has profound detrimental impacts such as impaired QOL, emotional distress, delayed recovery and frequent use of healthcare. The aim of this trial is to determine if the routine use of the Patients Concerns Inventory (PCI) package in review clinics during the first year following treatment can improve overall quality of life, reduce the social-emotional impact of cancer and reduce levels of distress. Furthermore, we aim to describe the economic costs and benefits of using the PCI.

Methods

This will be a cluster preference randomised control trial with consultants either ‘using’ or ‘not using’ the PCI package at clinic. It will involve two centres Leeds and Liverpool. 416 eligible patients from at least 10 consultant clusters are required to show a clinically meaningful difference in the primary outcome. The primary outcome is the percentage of participants with less than good overall quality of life at the final one-year clinic as measured by the University of Washington QOL questionnaire version 4 (UWQOLv4). Secondary outcomes at one-year are the mean social-emotional subscale (UWQOLv4) score, Distress Thermometer (DT) score ≥ 4, and key health economic measures (QALY-EQ-5D-5 L; CSRI).

Discussion

This trial will provide knowledge on the effectiveness of a consultation intervention package based around the PCI used at routine follow-up clinics following treatment of head and neck cancer with curative intent. If this intervention is (cost) effective for patients, the next step will be to promote wider use of this approach as standard care in clinical practice.

Trial registration

32,382. Clinical Trials Identifier, NCT03086629. Protocol: Version 3.0, 1st July 2017.

An Economic Evaluation of a Weight Loss Intervention Program for People with Serious Mental Illnesses Taking Antipsychotic Medications

Individuals with serious mental illnesses suffer from obesity and cardiometabolic diseases at high rates, and antipsychotic medications exacerbate these conditions. While studies have shown weight loss and lifestyle interventions can be effective in this population, few have assessed intervention cost-effectiveness. We present results from a 12-month randomized controlled trial that reduced weight, fasting glucose, and medical hospitalizations in intervention participants. Costs per participant ranged from $4365 to $5687. Costs to reduce weight by one kilogram ranged from $1623 to $2114; costs to reduce fasting glucose by 1 mg/dL ranged from $467 to $608. Medical hospitalization costs were reduced by $137,500.

A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Efficacy of a Psychosocial Behavioral Intervention to Improve the Lifestyle of Patients With Severe Mental Disorders: Study Protocol

Patients with severe mental disorders die on average 20 years prior to the general population. This mortality gap is mainly due to the higher prevalence of physical diseases and the adoption of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors.The LIFESTYLE trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of a new psychosocial group intervention (including psychoeducational, motivational, and problem-solving techniques) focused on healthy lifestyle behavior compared to a brief educational group intervention in a community sample of patients with severe mental disorders. The trial is a national-funded, multicentric, randomized controlled trial with blinded outcome assessments, which is carried out in six outpatient units of the Universities of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" in Naples, Bari, Genova, L'Aquila, Pisa, and Rome-Tor Vergata. All patients are assessed at the following time points: baseline (T0); 2 months post-randomization (T1); 4 months post-randomization (T2); 6 months post-randomization (T3); 12 months post-randomization (T4); and 24 months post-randomization (T5). T1 and T2 assessments include only anthropometric tests. The BMI, a reliable and feasible anthropometric parameter, has been selected as primary outcome. In particular, the mean value of BMI at 6 months from baseline (T3) will be evaluated through a Generalized Estimated Equation model. The work hypothesis is that the LIFESTYLE psychosocial group intervention will be more effective than the brief educational group intervention in reducing the BMI. We expect a mean difference between the two groups of at least one point (and standard deviation of two points) at BMI. Secondary outcomes are: the improvement in dietary patterns, in smoking habits, in sleeping habits, physical activity, personal and social functioning, severity of physical comorbidities, and adherence to medications. The expected sample size consists of 420 patients (70 patients for each of the six participating centers), and they are allocated with a 1:1 ratio randomization, stratified according to center, age, gender, and educational level. Heavy smoking, sedentary behavior, and unhealthy diet pattern are very frequent and are associated with a reduced life expectancy and higher levels of physical comorbidities in people with severe mental disorders. New interventions are needed and we hope that the LIFESTYLE protocol will help to fill this gap.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

2015C7374S.

Master's level mental health nursing competencies, a prerequisite for equal health among service users in mental health care

PURPOSE

This discussion paper aims to explore the need of a clarified definition of master's level mental health nursing competencies in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes in a European context. Mental health service users have, in spite of their right to equal overall health, higher rates of physical illness and are more likely to experience premature death than the general population. Implementation of a holistic concept of health comprising mental, physical and social aspects of health in mental health services has previously proved to be challenging.

METHODS

Master's level mental health nursing competencies in recent literature are discussed and illuminated in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes in order to enable the promotion of equal overall health among service users in mental health services.

RESULTS

The discussion show contents, values and utility of master's level mental health nursing competencies in mental health services and contribute to reduced role ambiguity by distinguishing master's level responsibilities from undergraduate nursing tasks and obligations of other professionals in mental health care.

CONCLUSION

This discussion paper shapes implications for developments in master's level mental health nursing education curricula.

Improving physical health of patients with severe mental disorders: a critical review of lifestyle psychosocial interventions

INTRODUCTION

People with severe mental disorders have a mortality rate that is more than two times higher than the general population, with at least a decade of potential years of life lost. People with mental disorders have a significantly higher risk of obesity, hyperglycemia and metabolic syndrome, which are related to modifiable risk factors, such as heavy smoking, poor physical activities, and inappropriate unhealthy diet, which can be improved through lifestyle changes. Areas covered: Lifestyle behaviours are amenable to change through the adoption of specific psychosocial interventions, and several approaches have been promoted. In the present review, the authors aim to: 1) critically analyze studies involving multimodal lifestyle interventions; 2) discuss the way forward to integrate these interventions in clinical routine care. Expert commentary: The psychoeducational approaches developed for the improvement of healthy lifestyle behaviours differ for several aspects: 1) the format (individual vs. group); 2) the setting (outpatient vs. inpatient vs. home-based); 3) the professional characteristics of the staff running the intervention (psychiatrists or nurses or dietitians or psychologists); 4) the active ingredients of the intervention (education only or inclusion of motivational interview or of problem solving); 5) the duration of treatment (ranging from 3 months to 2 years).

Motivation for physical activity and exercise in severe mental illness: A systematic review of intervention studies

There has been increasing interest for research on motivation for physical activity (PA) and exercise among individuals with severe mental illness (SMI). The aim of this systematic review is to summarize findings from all intervention studies on PA or exercise that either include empirical data on motivational constructs or apply motivational techniques/theories in their intervention. Systematic searches of seven databases were conducted from database inception to February 2015. Studies were eligible if they: (i) included participants with SMI, (ii) had PA as part of the intervention, and (iii) reported empirical data on motivational constructs related to PA or incorporated motivational techniques/theory in their intervention. Of the 79 studies that met the inclusion criteria only one had motivation for PA as its main outcome. Nine additional interventions reported empirical data on motivational constructs. Altogether these studies yielded mixed results with respect to change in motivational constructs. Only one of those examined the association between motivation and PA, but found none. Sixty-four studies reported using motivational techniques/theory in their intervention. Motivational interviewing and goal-setting were the most popular techniques. Due to the exploratory nature of most of these studies, findings from intervention studies do not so far give very clear directions for motivational work with the patients. There is an urgent need for a more systematic theory based approach when developing strategies that target to increase engagement in PA among people with SMI.

Motivation for physical activity and exercise in severe mental illness: A systematic review of cross-sectional studies

Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) are less physically active than the general population. One important barrier contributing to this inactivity is lack of motivation. The aim of this paper is to systematically review all cross-sectional literature on motivation for physical activity among people with SMI and to use the results as basis for guidance on how mental health nurses can facilitate motivation for physical activity. Systematic searches of seven databases were conducted from database inception to February 2015. Studies were eligible if they included participants with SMI and reported data on motivation for physical activity. In total, 21 articles were included and over half them were published in 2011 or later. The present results indicate preliminary evidence of how the motivational processes do not differ between individuals with SMI and the general population, and that they are independent of diagnosis, medication, age, gender, and body mass index. Results from the current systematic review can give some tentative guidance on how to facilitate motivation for physical activity within mental health-care. However, there is still a great need for developing and examining practical strategies that can enhance adoption and adherence of physical activity among people with SMI.

LIFEHOPE.EU: lifestyle and healthy outcome in physical education

ACCESSIBLE SUMMARY

●  People with severe mental illnesses (SMIs) suffer from health inequities and have a higher mortality rate, resulting from a sedentary lifestyle and a high prevalence of undiagnosed and untreated metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors. Cognitive deficits due to SMI symptoms may affect their ability to engage in a healthier lifestyle. ●  Programmes for a healthier lifestyle with physical activity components may improve mental and physical health for people with SMIs. In order to increase physical activity among this population, a new approach was developed as an integrated part of daily care. ●  This programme included a cognitive support in the shape of cognitive adaptation training (CAT) in order to address cognitive impairments, and provided education and individualized support in natural nursing environments to help individuals engage in physical activity (PHYS) and dietary changes (PHYS/CAT).

ABSTRACT

People with severe mental illness (SMIs) are more prone to physical illnesses, increased mortality and cognitive impairments, all of which negatively influence their daily lives. Physical activity (PHYS) programmes have helped alleviate SMI. LIFEHOPE is an ongoing research project with the purpose of developing a sustainable lifestyle intervention for physical and mental health. PHYS/cognitive adaptation training (CAT) is a newly created lifestyle intervention that provides group education and is based on CAT. It provides individualized support for PHYS and dietary change in a natural nursing environment. The aim of this study was to obtain further knowledge for developing a sustainable lifestyle programme by exploring psychiatric clients' experiences with PHYS and lifestyle habits, which we did by interviewing a local reference group, community mental healthcare users and community mental healthcare workers. Then, we developed a lifestyle programme for people with SMI using information obtained from these focus group interviews. Our results suggest that there is a need for support and education, as well as active interventions, in carrying out PHYS and dietary changes among people with SMIs, and the PHYS/CAT may be a useful strategy.

Cost-effectiveness of health promotion targeting physical activity and healthy eating in mental health care

Background

There is a higher prevalence of obesity in individuals with mental disorders compared to the general population. The results of several studies suggested that weight reduction in this population is possible following psycho-educational and/or behavioural weight management interventions. Evidence of the effectiveness alone is however inadequate for policy making. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a health promotion intervention targeting physical activity and healthy eating in individuals with mental disorders.

Methods

A Markov decision-analytic model using a public payer perspective was applied, projecting the one-year results of a 10-week intervention over a time horizon of 20 years, assuming a repeated yearly implementation of the programme. Scenario analysis was applied evaluating the effects on the results of alternative modelling assumptions. One-way sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the effects on the results of varying key input parameters.

Results

An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 27,096€/quality-adjusted life years (QALY) in men, and 40,139€/QALY in women was found in the base case. Scenario analysis assuming an increase in health-related quality of life as a result of the body mass index decrease resulted in much better cost-effectiveness in both men (3,357€/QALY) and women (3,766€/QALY). The uncertainty associated with the intervention effect had the greatest impact on the model.

Conclusions

As far as is known to the authors, this is the first health economic evaluation of a health promotion intervention targeting physical activity and healthy eating in individuals with mental disorders. Such research is important as it provides payers and governments with better insights how to spend the available resources in the most efficient way. Further research examining the cost-effectiveness of health promotion targeting physical activity and healthy eating in individuals with mental disorders is required.

A qualitative study exploring facilitators for improved health behaviors and health behavior programs: mental health service users' perspectives

Objective. Mental health service users experience high rates of cardiometabolic disorders and have a 20–25% shorter life expectancy than the general population from such disorders. Clinician-led health behavior programs have shown moderate improvements, for mental health service users, in managing aspects of cardiometabolic disorders. This study sought to potentially enhance health initiatives by exploring (1) facilitators that help mental health service users engage in better health behaviors and (2) the types of health programs mental health service users want to develop. Methods. A qualitative study utilizing focus groups was conducted with 37 mental health service users attending a psychosocial rehabilitation center, in Northern British Columbia, Canada. Results. Four major facilitator themes were identified: (1) factors of empowerment, self-value, and personal growth; (2) the need for social support; (3) pragmatic aspects of motivation and planning; and (4) access. Participants believed that engaging with programs of physical activity, nutrition, creativity, and illness support would motivate them to live more healthily. Conclusions and Implications for Practice. Being able to contribute to health behavior programs, feeling valued and able to experience personal growth are vital factors to engage mental health service users in health programs. Clinicians and health care policy makers need to account for these considerations to improve success of health improvement initiatives for this population.