The Evaluation of the Use of a New Physical Health Plan

People suffering from psychotic illnesses (e.g. schizophrenia) have poorer physical health than the general population. The reasons include a lack of service user motivation to attend physical health checks and the tendency of health professionals to focus mainly on the mental disorder thus delaying the detection of physical health conditions.

Identifying people who have physical health needs is increasingly recognised as a priority. The investigators have developed a Physical Health Plan (PHP) which is completed by service users and identifies areas of physical health need. An action plan is then completed by the service user and care co-ordinator to address these issues.

The PHP is designed to be very simple to use and there will be 3 versions, 1. paper version, 2. 1 version implemented via the 'IMPARTS' computerised 'tablet' based system that has been separately evaluated (REC Ref 12/SC/0422) and 3. 1 version on an iPad via the MHL2 system via Mindwaves.

The investigators wish to pilot the use of this PHP in two community teams in the South London and Maudsley (SLaM) Trust. The pilot will be done in three stages.

Stage One: The investigators will undertake an initial qualitative study to refine the process of using the PHP using focus group consultations with staff and service users.

Stage Two: The investigators will then undertake a six month study to evaluate the uptake and use of the PHP. This will involve collecting data on how many people complete the PHP and what actions are taken following the completion of the PHP.

Stage Three: At the end of this six month period the investigators will undertake qualitative interviews with a selection of service users and staff to understand their experience of using the PHP.

The investigators hope to be able to use the results of this pilot study to introduce the use of the PHP into routine care.