Utilization of a Cardiometabolic Health Nurse – a Novel Strategy to Manage Comorbid Physical and Mental Illness. Issue 1 (2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Happell, Brenda; Stanton, Robert; Scott, David
• Is Part Of: Journal of comorbidity. Volume 4 Issue 1(2014)
• Page Start: 22
• Page End: 28
• Publication Date: 2014
• Subjects: cardiometabolic health nurse -- comorbid conditions -- mental health -- patient referral -- physical health; Chronic diseases -- Periodicals; Comorbidity -- Periodicals; Chronic diseases -- Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Comorbidity; Chronic Disease; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; Periodical; 616.044
• DOI: 10.15256/joc.2014.4.36
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2235-042X

Abstract

Background: Comorbid chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, and type 2 diabetes are common among people with serious mental illness. Management of comorbid illness in the mental health setting is sometimes ad hoc and poorly delivered. Use of a cardiometabolic health nurse (CHN) is proposed as one strategy to improve the delivery of physical health care to this vulnerable population. Objective: To report the CHN's utilization of primary care and allied health referrals from a trial carried out in a regional community mental health service. Design: Feasibility study. Mental health consumers were referred by their case manager or mental health nurse to the CHN. The CHN coordinated the physical health care of community-based mental health consumers by identifying the need for, and providing referrals to, additional services, including primary care, allied health, and community-based services. Results: Sixty-two percent of participants referred to the CHN received referrals for primary care, allied health, and community-based services. Almost all referrals received follow-up by the CHN. Referrals were most commonly directed to a general practitioner and for nurse-delivered services. Conclusion: The CHN role shows promise in coordinating the physical health of community-based mental health consumers. More studies on role integration and development of specific outcome measurement tools are needed.