Lifestyle interventions for people with severe mental illness (SMI): views from key stakeholders

Background: Aim – To learn more about the perception and importance given to improving physical health among people with SMI by people with SMI, their carers and health professionals. Methods: Qualitative data was collected from key stakeholders using focus groups and semi structured interviews. Data were analysed using a constant comparative method. Findings: Key themes include: Concepts of health, choice and autonomy, roles and responsibilities; communication and collaboration and barriers to lifestyle behaviour change. Discussion: Lifestyle related diseases often result in premature death for people with SMI (e.g. Thakore, 2005). There is a need to improve the physical health of people with SMI (DoH 2004). Previous interventions for people with SMI have focused on highly motivated volunteers who participate in studies led by enthusiasts (Wu, 2008). The current study has enhanced understanding of the issues that may inform the initiation and maintenance of lifestyle interventions for people with SMI.