Register      Login
Australian Health Review Australian Health Review Society
Journal of the Australian Healthcare & Hospitals Association
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Open Access)

Applying the World Health Organization Mental Health Action Plan to evaluate policy on addressing co-occurrence of physical and mental illnesses in Australia

Brenda Happell A B L , Chris Platania-Phung A B , Stephanie Webster C , Brian McKenna D E , Freyja Millar F , Robert Stanton G , Cherrie Galletly H , David Castle I , Trentham Furness D E , Dennis Liu J and David Scott K
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Research Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Practice, University of Canberra, Faculty of Health. Building 6, Level 3, Canberra Hospital, PO Box 11, Woden, ACT 2606, Australia.

B ACT Health, Research Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Practice, Building 6, Level 3, Canberra Hospital, PO Box 11, Woden, ACT 2606, Australia.

C Independent Consumer Academic, Life Expectancy Advocate (Mental Health).

D School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia.

E NorthWestern Mental Health, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Level 1 North, City Campus, Grattan Street, Parkville, Vic. 3050, Australia. Email: Brian.McKenna@mh.org.au; Trentham.Furness@mh.org.au

F Eastern Health, Melbourne, Vic. 3128, Australia. Email: freyja.millar@easternhealth.org.au

G School of Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Qld 4700, Australia. Email: r.stanton@cqu.edu.au

H University of Adelaide, School of Medicine, 30 Frome Road, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia. Email: cherrie.galletly@adelaide.edu.au

I St Vincents Hospital, PO Box 2900, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia. Email: David.CASTLE@svhm.org.au

J Northern Mental Health Service, 7­–9 Park Terrace, Salisbury, SA 5108, Australia. Email: Dennis.Liu@health.sa.gov.au

K NorthWest Academic Centre, Sunshine Hospital, PO Box 294, 176 Furlong Road, St Albans, Vic. 3021, Australia. Email: d.scott@unimelb.edu.au

L Corresponding author. Email: brenda.happell@canberra.edu.au

Australian Health Review 39(4) 370-378 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH14098
Submitted: 26 June 2014  Accepted: 27 January 2015   Published: 10 March 2015

Journal Compilation © AHHA 2015

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the present study was to document Australian policies on the physical health of people with mental illness and evaluate the capacity of policy to support health needs.

Methods A search of state and federal policies on mental and physical illness was conducted, as well as detailed analysis of policy content and the relationships between policies, by applying the World Health Organization Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2020 as an evaluative framework.

Results National policy attention to the physical health of people with mental illness has grown, but there is little interconnection at the national and state levels. State policies across the country are inconsistent, and there is little evidence of consistent policy implementation.

Conclusions A coherent national health policy framework on addressing co-occurring physical and mental illnesses that includes healthcare system reforms and ensuring the interconnectedness of other relevant services should be prioritised.

What is known about the topic? People with mental illness have a lower life expectancy and poorer physical health than people who do not have a mental illness. Government policy is critical to reducing inequalities in physical health and increasing longevity.

What does this paper add? Evaluating policy developments against the World Health Organization’s Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2020, this review identified a lack of cohesive national-level policy on how to improve the physical health of people with mental illness. Although there are some state-based policies regarding strategies for better prevention and management of the physical health of people with mental illness, evidence of policy implementation is either scarce or inconsistent. The capacity of current policy to translate into reforms that increase the physical and overall health of people suffering mental health difficulties seems very limited.

What are the implications for practitioners? This paper outlines major policy gaps and an overall need for a national-level policy. National-level leadership on integrated health care is required, with monitoring to ensure health care reforms are genuinely informed by consumer and clinician views and are effective.

Additional keywords: inequality, service evaluation.


References

[1]  Laursen TM. Life expectancy among persons with schizophrenia or bipolar affective disorder. Schizophr Res 2011; 131 101–4.
Life expectancy among persons with schizophrenia or bipolar affective disorder.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21741216PubMed |

[2]  De Hert M, Correll CU, Bobes J, Cetkovich-Bakmas M, Cohen D, Asai I, Detraux J, Gautam S, Möller H-J, Ndetei DM, Newcomer JW, Uwakwe R, Leucht S. Physical illness in patients with severe mental disorders. I. Prevalence, impact of medications and disparities in health care. World Psychiatry 2011; 10 52–77.
| 21379357PubMed |

[3]  Filik R, Sipos A, Kehoe PG, Burns T, Cooper SJ, Stevens H, Laugharne R, Young G, Perrington S, McKendrick J, Stephenson D, Harrison G. The cardiovascular and respiratory health of people with schizophrenia. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2006; 113 298–305.
The cardiovascular and respiratory health of people with schizophrenia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD283jtVCrsA%3D%3D&md5=fd314b7aa38d262eba27db0761339464CAS | 16638074PubMed |

[4]  Frayne SM, Seaver MR, Loveland S, Christiansen CL, Spiro A, Parker VA, Skinner KM. Burden of medical illness in women with depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Arch Intern Med 2004; 164 1306–12.
Burden of medical illness in women with depression and posttraumatic stress disorder.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15226164PubMed |

[5]  Moussavi S, Chatterji S, Verdes E, Tandon A, Patel V, Ustun B. Depression, chronic diseases, and decrements in health: results from the World Health Surveys. Lancet 2007; 370 851–8.
Depression, chronic diseases, and decrements in health: results from the World Health Surveys.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17826170PubMed |

[6]  Clarke DM. Depression and physical illness: more complex than simple comorbidity. Med J Aust 2009; 190(Suppl) S52–3.

[7]  Clarke DM, Currie KC. Depression, anxiety and their relationship with chronic diseases: a review of the epidemiology. Med J Aust 2009; 190(Suppl) S54–60.

[8]  Kisely S, Quek LH, Pais J, Lalloo R, Johnson NW, Lawrence D. Advanced dental disease in people with severe mental illness: systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Psychiatry 2011; 199 187–93.
Advanced dental disease in people with severe mental illness: systematic review and meta-analysis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21881097PubMed |

[9]  Galletly CA, Foley DL, Waterreus A, Watts GF, Castle DJ, McGrath JJ, Mackinnon A, Morgan VA. Cardiometabolic risk factors in people with psychotic disorders: the second Australian national survey of psychosis. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2012; 46 753–61.
Cardiometabolic risk factors in people with psychotic disorders: the second Australian national survey of psychosis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22761397PubMed |

[10]  Rosenbaum S, Nijjar S, Watkins A, Garwood N, Sherrington C, Tiedemann A. Nurse-assessed metabolic monitoring: a file audit of risk factor prevalence and impact of an intervention to enhance measurement of waist circumference. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2014; 23 252–6.
Nurse-assessed metabolic monitoring: a file audit of risk factor prevalence and impact of an intervention to enhance measurement of waist circumference.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24393271PubMed |

[11]  Lalloo R, Kisely S, Amarasinghe H, Perera R, Johnson N. Oral health of patients on psychotropic medications: a study of outpatients in Queensland. Australas Psychiatry 2013; 21 338–42.
Oral health of patients on psychotropic medications: a study of outpatients in Queensland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23671224PubMed |

[12]  Eapen V, Faure-Brac G, Ward PB, Hazell P, Barton GR, Asghari-Fard M, Dullur P. Evaluation of weight gain and metabolic parameters among adolescent psychiatric inpatients: role of health promotion and life style intervention programs. J Metabolic Synd 2012; 1 109
Evaluation of weight gain and metabolic parameters among adolescent psychiatric inpatients: role of health promotion and life style intervention programs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[13]  Davidson S, Judd F, Jolley D, Hocking B, Thompson S, Hyland B. Cardiovascular risk factors for people with mental illness. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2001; 35 196–202.
Cardiovascular risk factors for people with mental illness.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3Mvnt1yltw%3D%3D&md5=1569aa50f2f10b4016c866570ad579c0CAS | 11284901PubMed |

[14]  Davidson S, Judd F, Jolley D, Hocking B, Thompson S, Hyland B. Risk factors for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C among the chronic mentally ill. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2001; 35 203–9.
Risk factors for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C among the chronic mentally ill.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3Mvnt1yltA%3D%3D&md5=26feca01661a54c9469cf51631e535b2CAS | 11284902PubMed |

[15]  Wilhelm K, Mitchell P, Slade T, Brownhill S, Andrews G. Prevalence and correlates of DSM-IV major depression in an Australian national survey. J Affect Disord 2003; 75 155–62.
Prevalence and correlates of DSM-IV major depression in an Australian national survey.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 12798255PubMed |

[16]  Lawrence D, Hancock KJ, Kisely S. The gap in life expectancy from preventable physical illness in psychiatric patients in Western Australia: retrospective analysis of population based registers. BMJ 2013; 346 f2539
The gap in life expectancy from preventable physical illness in psychiatric patients in Western Australia: retrospective analysis of population based registers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23694688PubMed |

[17]  Rummel-Kluge C, Komossa K, Schwarz S, Hunger H, Schmid F, Lobos CA, Kissling W, Davis JM, Leucht S. Head-to-head comparisons of metabolic side effects of second generation antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Schizophr Res 2010; 123 225–33.
Head-to-head comparisons of metabolic side effects of second generation antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20692814PubMed |

[18]  McCloughen A, Foster K. Weight gain associated with taking psychotropic medication: an integrative review. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2011; 20 202–22.
Weight gain associated with taking psychotropic medication: an integrative review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21492360PubMed |

[19]  Allison DB, Mentore JL, Heo M, Chandler LP, Cappelleri JC, Infante MC, Weiden PJ. Antipsychotic-induced weight gain: a comprehensive research synthesis. Am J Psychiatry 1999; 156 1686–96.
| 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3c%2FhvFWmug%3D%3D&md5=892b7492a012ce2b8d7149f05cef65fcCAS | 10553730PubMed |

[20]  Cooper J, Mancuso SG, Borland R, Slade T, Galletly C, Castle D. Tobacco smoking among people living with a psychotic illness: the second Australian Survey of Psychosis. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2012; 46 851–63.
Tobacco smoking among people living with a psychotic illness: the second Australian Survey of Psychosis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22645396PubMed |

[21]  Scott D, Happell B. The high prevalence of poor physical health and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours in individuals with severe mental illness. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2011; 32 589–97.
The high prevalence of poor physical health and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours in individuals with severe mental illness.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21859410PubMed |

[22]  World Health Organization (WHO). Mental health action plan 2013–2020. Geneva: WHO; 2013.

[23]  Carr VJ, Whiteford H, Groves A, McGorry P, Shepherd AM. Policy and service development implications of the second Australian National Survey of High Impact Psychosis (SHIP). Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2012; 46 708–18.
Policy and service development implications of the second Australian National Survey of High Impact Psychosis (SHIP).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22563037PubMed |

[24]  Robson D, Gray R. Serious mental illness and physical health problems: a discussion paper. Int J Nurs Stud 2007; 44 457–66.
Serious mental illness and physical health problems: a discussion paper.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17007859PubMed |

[25]  Happell B, Scott D, Platania-Phung C. Provision of preventive services for cancer and infectious diseases among individuals with serious mental illness. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2012c; 26 192–201.
Provision of preventive services for cancer and infectious diseases among individuals with serious mental illness.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22633581PubMed |

[26]  Lawrence D, Kisely S. Review: inequalities in healthcare provision for people with severe mental illness. J Psychopharmacol 2010; 24 61–8.
Review: inequalities in healthcare provision for people with severe mental illness.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20923921PubMed |

[27]  Scott D, Platania-Phung C, Happell B. Quality of care for cardiovascular disease and diabetes amongst individuals with serious mental illness and those using antipsychotic medications. J Healthc Qual 2012; 34 15–21.
Quality of care for cardiovascular disease and diabetes amongst individuals with serious mental illness and those using antipsychotic medications.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22092725PubMed |

[28]  Consumers of Mental Health Western Australia. Response to the pre-summit consultation paper. Perth: Consumers of Mental Health Western Australia; 2013. Available at: http://www.comhwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/CoMHWA-Submission-Summit-Physical-Health.pdf [verified 18 September 2014].

[29]  Sugawara N, Yasui-Furukori N, Yamazaki M, Shimoda K, Mori T, Sugai T, Suzuki Y, Someya T. Psychiatrists’ attitudes toward metabolic adverse events in patients with schizophrenia. PLoS ONE 2014; 9 e86826
Psychiatrists’ attitudes toward metabolic adverse events in patients with schizophrenia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24466260PubMed |

[30]  Happell B, Scott D, Nankivell J, Platania-Phung C. Screening physical health? Yes! But..: nurses’ views on physical health screening in mental health care. J Clin Nurs 2013; 22 2286–97.
Screening physical health? Yes! But..: nurses’ views on physical health screening in mental health care.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23829406PubMed |

[31]  Curtis J, Newall HD, Samaras K. The heart of the matter: cardiometabolic care in youth with psychosis. Early Interv Psychiatry 2012; 6 347–53.
The heart of the matter: cardiometabolic care in youth with psychosis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22221395PubMed |

[32]  Duckett SJ. The Australian health care system. Melbourne: Oxford University Press; 2007.

[33]  Seikkula J, Alakare B, Aaltonen J. The comprehensive open-dialogue approach in Western Lapland: II. Long-term stability of acute psychosis outcomes in advanced community care. Psychosis 2011; 3 192–204.
The comprehensive open-dialogue approach in Western Lapland: II. Long-term stability of acute psychosis outcomes in advanced community care.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[34]  Lambert TJ, Newcomer JM. Are the cardiometabolic complications of schizoprehnia still neglected? Barriers to care. Med J Aust 2009; 190(Suppl) S39–42.

[35]  Coghlan R, Lawrence D, Holman CDJ, Jablensky AV. Duty to care: physical illness in people with mental illness. Perth: University of Western Australia; 2001.

[36]  Corrigan P. How stigma interferes with mental health care. Am Psychol 2004; 59 614–25.
How stigma interferes with mental health care.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15491256PubMed |

[37]  British Medical Association. Recognising the importance of physical health in mental health and intellectual disability: achieving parity in outcomes. London: Science and Education Department and the Board of Science, British Medical Association; 2014.

[38]  World Health Organization. International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2010.

[39]  Burchell A, Fembacher S, Lewis R, Neil A. ‘Dental as anything’: inner south community health service dental outreach to people with a mental illness. Aust J Primary Health 2006; 12 75–82.
‘Dental as anything’: inner south community health service dental outreach to people with a mental illness.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[40]  Wieland B, Lau G, Seifert D, Siskind D. A partnership evaluation: public mental health and dental services. Australas Psychiatry 2010; 18 506–11.
A partnership evaluation: public mental health and dental services.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21117837PubMed |

[41]  Lloyd C, Sullivan D. NEW Solutions: an Australian health promotion programme for people with mental illness. Int J Ther Rehabil 2003; 10 204–10.
NEW Solutions: an Australian health promotion programme for people with mental illness.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[42]  Park T, Usher K, Foster K, Buettner P. Caring for physical health: developing a nurse-led healthy lifestyle program for people with schizophrenia. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2009; 18 A19

[43]  Filia SL, Baker AL, Gurvich CT, Richmond R, Kulkarni J. The perceived risks and benefits of quitting in smokers diagnosed with severe mental illness participating in a smoking cessation intervention: gender differences and comparison to smokers without mental illness. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014; 33 78–85.
The perceived risks and benefits of quitting in smokers diagnosed with severe mental illness participating in a smoking cessation intervention: gender differences and comparison to smokers without mental illness.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24256336PubMed |

[44]  Baker A, Richmond R, Lewin TJ, Kay-Lambkin F. Cigarette smoking and psychosis: naturalistic follow up 4 years after an intervention trial. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2010; 44 342–50.
Cigarette smoking and psychosis: naturalistic follow up 4 years after an intervention trial.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20307166PubMed |

[45]  Hetrick S, Alvarez-Jimenez M, Parker A, Hughes F, Willet M, Morley K, Fraser R, McGorry PD, Thompson A. Promoting physical health in youth mental health services: ensuring routine monitoring of weight and metabolic indices in a first episode psychosis clinic. Australas Psychiatry 2010; 18 451–5.
Promoting physical health in youth mental health services: ensuring routine monitoring of weight and metabolic indices in a first episode psychosis clinic.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20863186PubMed |

[46]  Organ B, Nicholson E, Castle D. Implementing a physical health strategy in a mental health service. Australas Psychiatry 2010; 18 456–9.
Implementing a physical health strategy in a mental health service.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20863187PubMed |

[47]  Ng F, Mammen OK, Wilting I, Sachs GS, Ferrier IN, Cassidy F, Beaulieu S, Yatham LN, Berk M. The International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) consensus guidelines for the safety monitoring of bipolar disorder treatments. Bipolar Disord 2009; 11 559–95.
The International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) consensus guidelines for the safety monitoring of bipolar disorder treatments.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXhtFKnu7nN&md5=1ef58a3f767f4553608ff171b56fc3d1CAS | 19689501PubMed |

[48]  Perkins D, Hamilton M, Saurman E, Luland T, Alpren C, Lyle D. GP Clinic: promoting access to primary health care for mental health service clients. Aust J Rural Health 2010; 18 217–22.
GP Clinic: promoting access to primary health care for mental health service clients.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21114697PubMed |

[49]  Baker A, Richmond R, Haile M, Lewin TJ, Carr VJ, Taylor RL, Jansons S, Wilhelm K. A randomized controlled trial of a smoking cessation intervention among people with a psychotic disorder. Am J Psychiatry 2006; 163 1934–42.
A randomized controlled trial of a smoking cessation intervention among people with a psychotic disorder.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17074945PubMed |

[50]  Evans S, Newton R, Higgins S. Nutritional intervention to prevent weight gain in patients commenced on olanzapine: a randomized controlled trial. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2005; 39 479–86.
Nutritional intervention to prevent weight gain in patients commenced on olanzapine: a randomized controlled trial.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15943650PubMed |

[51]  Poulin MJ, Chaput JP, Simard V, Vincent P, Bernier J, Gauthier Y, Lanctot G, Saindon J, Vincent A, Gagnon S, Tremblay A. Management of antipsychotic-induced weight gain: prospective naturalistic study of the effectiveness of a supervised exercise programme. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2007; 41 980–9.
Management of antipsychotic-induced weight gain: prospective naturalistic study of the effectiveness of a supervised exercise programme.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17999270PubMed |

[52]  O’sullivan J, Gilbert J, Ward W. Addressing the health and lifestyle issues of people with a mental illness: the Healthy Living Programme. Australas Psychiatry 2006; 14 150–5.
Addressing the health and lifestyle issues of people with a mental illness: the Healthy Living Programme.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 16734643PubMed |

[53]  Ministerial Advisory Committee on Mental Health. Improving the physical health of people with severe mental illness. Melbourne: Ministerial Advisory Committee on Mental Health, Victorian Department of Health; 2011.

[54]  Berk M, Fitzsimons J, Lambert T, Pantelis C, Kulkarni J, Castle D, Ryan EW, Jespersen S, McGorry P, Berger G, Kuluris B, Callaly T, Dodd S. Monitoring the safe use of clozapine: a consensus view from Victoria, Australia. CNS Drugs 2007; 21 117–27.
Monitoring the safe use of clozapine: a consensus view from Victoria, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXkvVWktbg%3D&md5=5d383c34136e83186bc45aaa84957bdcCAS | 17284094PubMed |

[55]  McGorry P. ‘Every me and every you’: responding to the hidden challenge of mental illness in Australia. Australas Psychiatry 2005; 13 3–15.
| 15777406PubMed |

[56]  Foley DL, Mackinnon A, Watts GF, Shaw JE, Magliano DJ, Castle DJ, McGrath JJ, Waterreus A, Morgan VA, Galletly CA. Cardiometabolic risk indicators that distinguish adults with psychosis from the general population, by age and gender. PLoS ONE 2013; 8 e82606
Cardiometabolic risk indicators that distinguish adults with psychosis from the general population, by age and gender.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24367528PubMed |

[57]  Commonwealth of Australia. Fourth National Mental Health Plan: an agenda for collaborative government action in mental health 2009–2014. Barton: Commonwealth of Australia; 2009.

[58]  Council of Australian Governments. The roadmap for national mental health reform 2012–2012. 2012. Available at: https://www.coag.gov.au/sites/default/files/The%20Roadmap%20for%20National%20Mental%20Health%20Reform%202012-2022.pdf.pdf [verified 18 September 2014].

[59]  Commonwealth of Australia. A national framework for recovery-oriented mental health services: policy and theory. Canberra: Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council; 2013.

[60]  Hickie IB, McGorry PD, Davenport TA, Rosenberg SP, Mendoza JA, Burns JM, Nicholas J, Christensen H. Getting mental health reform back on track: a leadership challenge for the new Australian Government. Med J Aust 2014; 200 445–8.
Getting mental health reform back on track: a leadership challenge for the new Australian Government.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24794595PubMed |

[61]  International Physical Health in Youth Working Group. Healthy Active Lives (HeAL) consensus statement. 2013. Available at: http://www.iphys.org.au/media/HeAL_brochure_Feb14.pdf [verified 18 September 2014].

[62]  National Mental Health Commission. A contributing life: the 2013 national report card on mental health and suicide prevention. Sydney: National Mental Health Commission; 2013.

[63]  National Summit on Addressing the Premature Death of People with a Mental Illness. Communique. Sydney: National Summit on Addressing the Premature Death of People with a Mental Illness; 2013.

[64]  Victorian Government Department of Human Services. General medical health needs, annual examination, non-psychiatric treatment, special procedures and medical research procedures: Chief Psychiatrist’s guideline. 2008. Available at: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth/cpg/non-psych-treatment2008.pdf [verified 18 September 2014].

[65]  National Mental Health Commission. A contributing life: the 2012 national report card on mental health and suicide prevention. Sydney: National Mental Health Commission; 2012.

[66]  Happell B, Scott D, Platania-Phung C. Perceptions of barriers to physical health care for people with serious mental illness: a review of the international literature. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2012; 33 752–61.
Perceptions of barriers to physical health care for people with serious mental illness: a review of the international literature.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23146009PubMed |

[67]  Happell B, Platania-Phung C, Scott D. Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program: facilitating physical health care for people with mental illness? Int J Ment Health Nurs 2013; 22 399–408.
Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program: facilitating physical health care for people with mental illness?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23279365PubMed |

[68]  Groom G, Hickie IB, Davenport T. Out of hospital, out of mind! A report detailing mental health services in Australia in 2002 and community priorities for national mental health policy for 2003–2008. Canberra: Mental Health Council of Australia; 2002.

[69]  Lawn S. Tobacco control policies, social inequality and mental health populations: time for a comprehensive treatment response. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2008; 42 353–6.
Tobacco control policies, social inequality and mental health populations: time for a comprehensive treatment response.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 18473253PubMed |

[70]  Stanley S, Laugharne J. Clinical guidelines for the physical care of mental health consumers: report. Perth: Community Culture and Mental Health Unit, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia; 2010.

[71]  Battams S, Henderson J. The physical health of poeple with mental illness and ‘the right to health’. Adm Ment Health 2010; 9 116–29.
The physical health of poeple with mental illness and ‘the right to health’.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[72]  Brunero S, Lamont S. Systematic screening for metabolic syndrome in consumers with severe mental illness. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2009; 18 144–50.
Systematic screening for metabolic syndrome in consumers with severe mental illness.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19290978PubMed |

[73]  Lambert TJ, Chapman LH. Diabetes, psychotic disorders and antipsychotic therapy: a consensus statement. Med J Aust 2004; 181 544–8.
| 15540966PubMed |

[74]  Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Clinical Practice Guidelines Team for the Treatment of Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2005; 39 1–30.
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15660702PubMed |

[75]  Stanley SH, Laugharne JD. Clinical guidelines for the physical care of mental health consumers: a comprehensive assessment and monitoring package for mental health and primary care clinicians. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2011; 45 824–9.
Clinical guidelines for the physical care of mental health consumers: a comprehensive assessment and monitoring package for mental health and primary care clinicians.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21980931PubMed |

[76]  Usher K, Foster K, Park T. The metabolic syndrome and schizophrenia: the latest evidence and nursing guidelines for management. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2006; 13 730–4.
The metabolic syndrome and schizophrenia: the latest evidence and nursing guidelines for management.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD28nlsFaktA%3D%3D&md5=06cd40fa6f1a729f26bc1604de3c3fcfCAS | 17087676PubMed |

[77]  Waterreus AJ, Laugharne JD. Screening for the metabolic syndrome in patients receiving antipsychotic treatment: a proposed algorithm. Med J Aust 2009; 190 185–9.
| 19220182PubMed |

[78]  Berkman LF, Kawachi I. Social epidemiology. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2000.

[79]  Marmot M. Health in an unequal world. Lancet 2006; 368 2081–94.
Health in an unequal world.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[80]  Meagher J. What about the rest of me? Physical disease within mental health. In Singerman D, editor. Perspectives: mental health and wellbeing in Australia. Deakin: Paragon; 2013. pp. 32–33.

[81]  Bates A, Kemp V, Issac M. Peer support shows promise in helping persons living with mental illness address their physical health needs. Can J Commun Ment Health 2008; 27 21–36.
Peer support shows promise in helping persons living with mental illness address their physical health needs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[82]  Kemp V, Bates A, Isaac M. Mental health consumers as peer supporters in Western Australia. Health Issues 2008; 96 23–7.

[83]  Collins C, Hewson DL, Munger R, Wade T. Evolving models of behavioral health integration in primary care. New York: Milbank Memorial Fund; 2010.

[84]  New South Wales Department of Health. Physical health care of mental health consumers: guidelines. Sydney: New South Wales Department of Health; 2009.

[85]  New South Wales Department of Health. The physical health mental health handbook. Sydney: Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Office; 2009.

[86]  Ehrlich C, Kisely S, Kendall E, Crompton D, Crowe E, Liddy AM. Active steps towards a healthier life for people with severe mental illness: a qualitative approach to understanding the potential for implementing change. Aust Health Rev 2013; 37 423–9.
Active steps towards a healthier life for people with severe mental illness: a qualitative approach to understanding the potential for implementing change.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23850063PubMed |

[87]  Lawn S. Cigarette smoking in psychiatric settings: occupational health, safety, welfare and legal concerns. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2005; 39 886–91.
Cigarette smoking in psychiatric settings: occupational health, safety, welfare and legal concerns.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 16168015PubMed |

[88]  Lawn S, Campion J. Achieving smoke-free mental health services: lessons from the past decade of implementation research. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2013; 10 4224–44.
Achieving smoke-free mental health services: lessons from the past decade of implementation research.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24025397PubMed |

[89]  Ashton M, Rigby A, Galletly C. Do population-wide tobacco control approaches help smokers with mental illness? Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2014; 48 121–3.
Do population-wide tobacco control approaches help smokers with mental illness?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23969625PubMed |

[90]  Ashton M, Rigby A, Galletly C. What do 1000 smokers with mental illness say about their tobacco use? Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2013; 47 631–6.
What do 1000 smokers with mental illness say about their tobacco use?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23493757PubMed |

[91]  Stockings E, Bowman J, McElwaine K, Baker A, Terry M, Clancy R, Bartlem K, Wye P, Bridge P, Knight J, Wiggers J. Readiness to quit smoking and quit attempts among Australian mental health inpatients. Nicotine Tob Res 2013; 15 942–9.
Readiness to quit smoking and quit attempts among Australian mental health inpatients.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23089486PubMed |

[92]  Lawrence D, Holman C, Jablensky A, Hobbs M. Death rate from ischaemic heart disease in Western Australian psychiatric patients 1980–1998. Br J Psychiatry 2003; 182 31–6.
Death rate from ischaemic heart disease in Western Australian psychiatric patients 1980–1998.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 12509315PubMed |

[93]  Haupt DW, Rosenbaltt LC, Kim E, Baker RA, Whitehead R, Newcomer JW. Prevalence and predictors of lipid and glucose monitoring in commercially insured patients treated with second-generation antipsychotic agents. Am J Psychiatry 2009; 166 345–53.
Prevalence and predictors of lipid and glucose monitoring in commercially insured patients treated with second-generation antipsychotic agents.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19147694PubMed |

[94]  Thompson A, Hetrick SE, Alvarez-Jimenez M, Parker AG, Willet M, Hughes F, Gariup M, Lopez , Gomez D, McGorry PD. Targeted intervention to improve monitoring of antipsychotic-induced weight gain and metabolic disturbance in first episode psychosis. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2011; 45 740–8.
Targeted intervention to improve monitoring of antipsychotic-induced weight gain and metabolic disturbance in first episode psychosis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21827345PubMed |

[95]  Sanna L, Stuart AL, Pasco JA, Kotowicz MA, Berk M, Girardi P, Brennan SL, Williams LJ. Physical comorbidities in men with mood and anxiety disorders: a population-based study. BMC Med 2013; 11 110
Physical comorbidities in men with mood and anxiety disorders: a population-based study.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23618390PubMed |

[96]  Chadwick A, Street C, McAndrew S, Deacon M. Minding our own bodies: reviewing the literature regarding the perceptions of service users diagnosed with serious mental illness on barriers to accessing physical health care. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2012; 21 211–19.
Minding our own bodies: reviewing the literature regarding the perceptions of service users diagnosed with serious mental illness on barriers to accessing physical health care.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22533328PubMed |