Experiences of individuals with severe mental illnesses about physical health services

Aim: The purpose of this research was to clarify the opinions and experiences of individuals with severe mental illness about physical health services. Methods: In this study a qualitative descriptive approach was used. This study was carried out in psychiatric clinic of the university hospital in İzmir, Turkey. The sample consisted of fourteen individuals with severe mental illness who receive psychiatric treatment in a psychiatri clinic. In-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview format. Content analysis was used evaluate the interviews. Results: Three themes emerged as a result of the research. These themes; barriers, facilitators and expectations for receiving physical health care. Barriers related to the patient and the disease; not being able to make an appointment on its own, missing appointments, inability to interpret symptoms of illness, not going to appropriate units, not being able to communicate symptoms, transportation and economic problems. Barriers related to health workers are the lack of effective communication, negative behaviors, stigmatization, physical problems are ignored. Barriers related to the health system are long waiting periods, crowded environments, lack of coordination in health care services, and lack of information circulation and many bureaucratic and medical procedures. Under the theme of facilitators, family support, disability card, and effective communication of the health worker are included. Expectations themes are included in the expectations from the healthcare professionals and health care services. Conclusion: While individuals with severe mental illness are receiving physical health care, face many barriers and the nursing interventions to increase the access of patients to physical health services are important for promoting and improving the physical health of these patients.