The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of physical health interventions to mental health consumers within Sydney Local Health District
ISSN: 1476-9018
Article publication date: 8 November 2023
Issue publication date: 6 December 2023
Abstract
Purpose
People living with severe mental illness (PLWSMI) experience disproportionately high rates of morbidity and mortality compared with the general population. Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) introduced the Living Well, Living Longer integrated care program in 2013 to address this inequity. This paper reports on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of physical health interventions to community mental health consumers in SLHD.
Design/methodology/approach
Rates of COVID-19 vaccinations were collated. Routinely collected service data were reviewed for changes in rates of metabolic monitoring, mental health shared care, physical health checks, cardiometabolic health clinic assessments and diet and exercise interventions.
Findings
91.9% of consumers received at least two COVID-19 vaccinations and 61.3% received a booster. However, there was a 37.3% reduction in rates of metabolic monitoring, 20.1% reduction in Mental Health Shared Care agreements, 60.6% reduction in physical health checks with general practitioners, 65.4% reduction in cardiometabolic clinic assessments and 19.8% reduction of diet and exercise interventions.
Practical implications
The impact of the pandemic may lead to an exacerbation of poorly managed comorbid disease and increased premature mortality in people living with severe mental illness. Service providers should consider the local impact of the pandemic on the provision of physical health interventions and ensure steps are taken to address any deficits.
Originality/value
There is a paucity of published analysis regarding the impact of the pandemic on the provision of physical health interventions to people living with severe mental illness.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This paper forms part of a special section “Exploring the Expansive Horizons of Integrated Care”, guest edited by Dr Axel Kaehne.
Citation
Simpson, A., Parcsi, L. and McDonald, A. (2023), "The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of physical health interventions to mental health consumers within Sydney Local Health District", Journal of Integrated Care, Vol. 31 No. 4, pp. 244-255. https://doi.org/10.1108/JICA-06-2023-0036
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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