Physical Health and Well-Being in Mental Health Nursing: Clinical Skills for Practice

About the author
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations and acronyms

Part 1: Introducing physical health and mental illness
An introduction to physical health in mental illness
An introduction to key concepts in measuring health and illness
Principles of physical health assessment in mental health care

Part 2: Physical assessment skills for practice
Clinical skills for physical assessment in mental health settings
Physical assessment: assessing cardiovascular health
Assessing respiratory health in mental health
Assessing nutrition, diet and physical activity

Part 3: Physical health and well-being in practice
Medication, adverse drug reactions and physical health
Physical health emergencies in mental health settings
Practical steps in improving the physical health of people with severe mental illness

References
Index

This popular and groundbreaking book was the first of its kind to focus on providing mental health nurses with the core knowledge of the physical health issues that they need for their work. Considering the risk factors and assessment priorities amongst different mental health client groups, the book provides clinical insights into how best to work with service users to ensure their health is assessed and improved.

In this fully updated second edition the book addresses the latest research and policy, as well as expanding coverage of:

• Assessment principles and skills
• Adverse reactions, side effects and patient education
• Working with older and younger patients
• Multi-professional working

Each chapter includes case studies, examples, diagrams and exercises for self-testing and reflection, which will help readers develop their own skills and practice.

Physical Health and Well Being in Mental Health Nursing is a must-have text for students and practitioners working in mental health nursing. It is also useful reading for practice nurses, district nurses, midwives and all allied health practitioners.

"People living with serious mental health problems often have significant physical health problems that are estimated to shorten their life expectancy by up to 15 years. This is unacceptable, and avoidable and mental health nurses have a crucial role to play in addressing this situation. The second edition of this excellent text is timely. Underpinned by a sound evidence base and peppered with practical examples throughout, this book contains essential knowledge and skills that will enable mental health nurses to help service users transform their health and wellbeing, and live longer, healthier and more satisfying lives. "
Patrick Callaghan Professor of Mental Nursing Head of School of Health Sciences University of Nottingham

"This new edition of an established text will be welcomed by students, academics and service users. The physical health of those with enduring mental illness is an important, but neglected, aspect of health care responsible for considerable, preventable, morbidity. This popular, accessible book raises the profile of this Cinderella subject in the nursing curriculum. Healthcare outcomes will be improved if practitioners follow Mike's advice throughout the text, most particularly: One small step we can take, which will make a huge difference to the physical health of mental health service users, is to regularly monitor and screen for adverse drug reactions (p.184)."
Sue Jordan, Reader, College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University