Improving physical health monitoring and interventions in a learning disabilities forensic psychiatric secure service.

HEALTH facilities; BODY weight; HEALTH status indicators; PSYCHOEDUCATION; SELF-efficacy; PRE-tests & post-tests; DIARY (Literary form); HEALTH literacy; QUALITY assurance; HEALTH behavior; METABOLIC syndrome; WAIST circumference; QUESTIONNAIRES; EXERCISE; PEOPLE with intellectual disabilities; FORENSIC psychiatry; PATIENT education; MENTAL health services; BEHAVIOR modification

BACKGROUND: Patients in psychiatric inpatient settings are at increased risk of developing physical health complications due to the structure of inpatient wards, the metabolic side-effects of antipsychotic medications and socioeconomic factors. Robust physical health monitoring and interventions are paramount in reducing this health inequality. OBJECTIVE: To improve the quality of physical health interventions in the ward environment and empower patients to follow healthy lifestyle guidance to reduce their risk of metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Patient weight and waist circumference data were collected at baseline and weekly throughout the 8-week intervention period. A questionnaire was recorded from baseline to week-5 to assess patient understanding. Two Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were completed: (1) Series of weekly psychoeducation sessions and group exercise and (2) Implementation of healthy living diaries. RESULTS: Our data did not demonstrate any definitive impact upon the waist circumference and weight of participants. However, analysis of the questionnaires showed a consistent trend in knowledge improvement. CONCLUSION: Whilst our aim of reducing patient weight and waist circumference was not realised, there was a significant impact on participant's knowledge, demonstrating a subjective benefit of our interventions. Our project also highlighted inconsistencies in physical health measurements and data collection, providing vital information for further quality improvement measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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