Experiences of individuals with severe mental illnesses about physical health services: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to understand the ideas and experiences of individuals' with severe mental illnesses regarding their access to physical health care services.

Methods: In this study, a qualitative descriptive approach and content analysis were used. The sample comprised 14 individuals with severe mental illnesses in a psychiatric clinic.

Results: Three themes emerged: i) a barrier theme related to the patient and the illness, health care professionals, and the health system; ii) a theme that comprised facilitators, for example, health care system facilitators and family support; and iii) an expectations theme, comprising patients' and health care services.

Conclusion: Individuals with severe mental illnesses must overcome many barriers while receiving physical health care, and nursing interventions are critical for increasing these patients' access to physical health services.

Keywords: Mental health nursing; Mental illness; Physical health; Physical health services; Qualitative research.