How does poor foot health impact on mental health service users?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
SAPPHIRE: SMI Access: Podiatry, Participation, Health and Impact Research. Does access to podiatry services for patients living with severe mental health illness (SMI) impact their participation in activities and use of health and social care services?
IRAS ID
365995
Contact name
Anita Atwal
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
A There is a significant gap in research on podiatry interventions for persons living with severe mental illness (SMI). This research is critical because persons with SMI are more prone to foot conditions than the general population and often encounter barriers to access services related to their physical health.
The study will be conducted across two NHS Trusts in London: Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) and Central London Community Healthcare Trust (CLCH).
To investigate the impact of access to podiatry services on persons with SMI, focusing on their participation in activities, utilization of health and social care services
Method: We are seeking ethical approval for WP 1 and 2.
WP1: retrospective mapping and analysis of integrated records to investigate whether disparities exist in podiatry service provision
WP2: Conduct semi-structured interviews with persons living with SMI who are on a podiatry waiting list to identify their experiences with podiatry.WP3: Administer a survey to podiatrists to assess current practices with persons living with SMI.
WP4: Facilitate nominal groups to formulate best practice guidelines."
The findings will be crucial in understanding and providing evidence on the impact of podiatry interventions on everyday activities of persons living with SMI.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
26/WA/0155
Date of REC Opinion
29 May 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion