Role of pharmacy in metabolic risk/syndrome in severe mental illness.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the role of pharmacy and pharmacists in management of cardiometabolic risk factors and metabolic syndrome in severe mental illness.
IRAS ID
233121
Contact name
Ian D Maidment
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Aston University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Research Summary:
People with severe mental illnesses (SMI), including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder die early and have poorer quality of physical health compared to the rest of the population. The main cause of death is cardiovascular disease (CVD)(including heart disease and stroke). They have increased risk factors for CVD including diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure and overweight/obesity. They make frequent contact with health services, yet are less likely to be screened for risk factors or receive interventions such as medication to lower cholesterol (statins). Medicines used to treat SMI contribute further to these risks due to their side effects including weight gain and effects on blood sugars and lipids. Early detection and treatment are important in tackling these physical health issues. Pharmacists have specialist knowledge about medicines used to treat both mental and physical health as well as health promotion (e.g. increasing exercise) and reducing risk factors (e.g. stopping smoking). They can also undertake health checks and screening for risk factors.The purposes of this study are to explore and understand the views and experiences of patients with SMI, their carers and care professionals on:
- current care for physical health (specifically CVD, diabetes and related diseases) for individuals with SMI;
- role that pharmacy and pharmacists play in this care;
- what can be done to improve this care in the future;
- what pharmacy and pharmacists specifically can do towards improving this care.In order to achieve this the lead researcher will conduct interviews with individuals with SMI, their informal carers and care professionals involved in the care of those with SMI.
Information from the interviews and review of the literature will allow us to make recommendations to help reduce the inequalities in health that exist for individuals with SMI by improving their physical health.
Summary of Results:
Review of scientific articles published in journals found that pharmacists involved in face to face interactions with others such as healthcare professionals can have a significant impact on care in this area, for example, increased rates of physical health checks. Data and information was gathered after discussion with patients, informal carers and care professionals as this had not been done before. Review and analysis of this data found meaningful or significant interactions of patients with pharmacists were not happening frequently enough. There is unmet need about physical health side effects of medication used to treat severe mental illness and physical health checks. Contact with informal carers were absent. Changes to pharmacy practice and policy could facilitate shared physical space and face-to-face interactions between pharmacists and patients and informal carers as well as other care professionals. Ultimately, this would encourage person-centred care with the goal of building trusting relationships which is key in this vulnerable population.REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/WM/0291
Date of REC Opinion
18 Dec 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion