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Physical health and health risk factors in a population of long-stay psychiatric patients

Rampton Hospital, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Retford DN22 0PD (tel: 01777 248321; fax: 01777 247737; e-mail: irene.cormac{at}nottshc.nhs.uk)

Michael Ferriter, Research Fellow

Rampton Hospital

Ram Benning, Locum Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist

Derby City General Hospital

Carol Saul, Research Fellow

Section of Mental Health, University of Sheffield

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHOD

To evaluate the physical health and health risk factors in long-stay psychiatric patients in a high secure psychiatric hospital. A cross-sectional survey of consenting patients was undertaken using a semi-structured questionnaire, a brief physical examination and review of patient case notes. A comparison was made with data collected on admission and held on the Special Hospitals’ Case Register.

RESULTS

Main findings were: a mean increase in weight since admission, in men of 10.62 kg and in women of 12.74 kg; high rates of smoking, obesity and large waist size; 54% of patients had one or more health problems.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The study’s profile of the physical health of psychiatric in-patients indicates the need for health promotion initiatives in such hospitals and the need for primary care services.

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