Brenda Happell1, Chris Platania-Phung1, Stephanie Webster2, Brian McKenna3, Freyja Millar4, Robert Stanton5, Cherrie Galletly6, David Castle7, Trentham Furness3, Dennis Liu8, David Scott9. 1. 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. 2. Independent Consumer Academic, Life Expectancy Advocate (Mental Health). 3. School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia. 4. Eastern Health, Melbourne, Vic. 3128, Australia. Email. 5. School of Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Qld 4700, Australia. Email. 6. University of Adelaide, School of Medicine, 30 Frome Road, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia. Email. 7. St Vincents Hospital, PO Box 2900, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia. Email. 8. Northern Mental Health Service, 7--9 Park Terrace, Salisbury, SA 5108, Australia. Email. 9. NorthWest Academic Centre, Sunshine Hospital, PO Box 294, 176 Furlong Road, St Albans, Vic. 3021, Australia. Email.
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.
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.