Supportive and palliative care for people with respiratory problems and pre-existing serious mental illness

Guy Peryer, Sylvia Barnes, Morag Farquhar

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)
8 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: People living with serious mental illness are at a higher risk of developing respiratory problems that can lead to increased morbidity and early mortality. This review aimed to identify recent advances in care provision for people with respiratory problems and preexisting serious mental illness to ease symptom burden and reduce the risk of premature mortality. RECENT FINDINGS: Intervention-based studies in this area are scarce. The evidence reviewed originated from observational studies. Concluding comments from the synthesis suggest there are specific needs for proactive screening of respiratory function as part of routine physical health checks across care settings for people living with serious mental illness, more stringent monitoring of comorbid chronic lung conditions and increased attention in reducing the frequency respiratory infections. Integrated services across care settings are needed to support people with serious mental illness to limit the impact of modifiable lifestyle factors known to be detrimental to respiratory health, such as smoking. SUMMARY: Key priorities are identified to improve accessibility and inclusivity of respiratory care pathways for people living with serious mental illness to support early detection and proactive monitoring of respiratory problems to help reduce the risk of early mortality.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)190-196
Number of pages7
JournalCurrent Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care
Volume14
Issue number3
Early online date20 Jul 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sep 2020

Cite this