Severe mental illness and the HEALTH study

Posted on 3 March 2020

CRD Research Fellows Nick Meader and Hollie Melton have published an article in The Conversation on the physical health risks faced by people with severe mental illness (SMI), as part of the HEALTH study.

People with SMI, such as psychosis or bipolar disorder, live on average 15-20 years less than the average person – which is one of the key health inequalities people face in the UK and worldwide. But although programmes and initiatives have been created that aim to help people with severe mental illnesses take control of their health, these targeted interventions often fall short. The article explores why people with SMI live shorter lives and how effective interventions are in narrowing this 'mortality gap'. Read the full article on The Conversation website.

The HEALTH study is investigating whether multiple risk interventions are more effective than single risk behaviour interventions for improving outcomes including; risk behaviours and physical health. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials is being conducted to provide empirical evidence for comparison. In addition, a systematic review and thematic analysis of qualitative evidence is being conducted to address issues of the intervention acceptability, uptake and service experience from the perspective of service users. The team are consulting with both Patient Public Involvement stakeholders, peer researchers and an advisory group in order to present the most relevant evidence possible.

This work is part of a project on the effectiveness of multiple risk behaviour interventions for people with SMI funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research.

Follow progress on Twitter: @UoY_HEALTH_SMI