A Service Model to Improve the Physical Health and Wellbeing of Consumers
14 July 2021
Category: Projects
Co-designing a Service Model to Improve the Physical Health and Wellbeing of Consumers with Mental Health and /or Alcohol and Other Drug Issues
It is a well-established fact that poor mental health is associated with lower life expectancy. In fact, people with substance use and/or mental health conditions have a 2-3 times higher mortality rate than the general population. Much of this is attributable to general medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and diabetes. QAMH believes that addressing this health disparity is of vital importance.
QAMH worked with the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute to co-design a service model to improve the physical health and wellbeing of people with mental health issues.
The aim of this project was to work closely with mental health staff and consumers, carers and families in north Brisbane to co-design a service model to improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of people with mental health issues. A total of 11 workshops were conducted to understand the barriers to addressing physical health inequities and provide recommendations for service improvements including:
- Improving service navigation and access
- Enabling staff to develop rapport with consumers and advocate for their health needs
- Helping people adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle behaviours
QAMH acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, learn and work and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.