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Physical Health of the Long-Term Mentally Ill in the Community

Is There Unmet Need?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Traolach S. Brugha ,
John K. Wing  and
Brian L. Smith
Traolach S. Brugha*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Leicester
John K. Wing
Affiliation:
MRC Social Psychiatry Unit
Brian L. Smith
Affiliation:
The Bethlem and Maudsley Hospital, Beckenham
*
∗ Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, PO Box 65, Leicester LE2 7LX
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Abstract

A clinical assessment was made of 145 long-term users of hospital and social-services day psychiatric facilities, and 84 consented to laboratory pathological screening. We recorded data on relevant medical care where that was being provided. Based on clinical assessment, 59 patients (41%) were judged to have medical problems potentially requiring care. Based on pathological screening 39 (44% of those assessed) had unmet needs, and this rating was associated with poor compliance with attendance and treatment plans. Altogether, 12 patients had important unmet needs, mainly for detailed medical investigation, although none required immediate hospital admission. Long-term patients should be medically reassessed and supervised at appropriate intervals.

Information

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 155 , Issue 6 , December 1989 , pp. 777 - 781
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1989 

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