Mental health nurse incentive program

Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program : Facilitating physical health care for people with mental illness? N2 - Abstract:: People with serious mental illness have increased rates of physical ill-health and reduced contact with primary care services. AB - Abstract:: People with serious mental illness have increased rates of physical ill-health and reduced contact with primary care services. Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program: Facilitating physical health care for people with mental illness?

Abstract Abstract:: People with serious mental illness have increased rates of physical ill-health and reduced contact with primary care services. Although the program has been broadly beneficial to consumer health, there are inequities in access for people with mental illness. Larger and more representative sampling of consumers is needed, as well as intensive case studies to provide a more comprehensive and effective understanding of the benefits and limitations of the program as it evolves with the establishment of primary health networks.

What is known about the topic? The MHNIP is designed to increase access to mental health care in primary care settings such as general practice clinics. Studies have reported favourable views about the program. However, research is limited and further investigation is required to demonstrate the strengths and limitations of the program. Physical health-care provision in collaboration with general practitioners GPs and other health-care professionals was reported as common.

The findings suggest that the MHNIP provides integrated care, where nurses and GPs work in collaboration, allowing enough time to discuss physical health or share physical health activities. Consumers of this service appeared to have good access to physical and mental health services, and nurses had access to primary care professionals to discuss consumers' physical health and develop their clinical skills in the physical domain.