Understanding experiences of seeking support for CVD for people with severe mental illness (PEGASUS)

Jacqueline SIN¹, Steve GILLARD¹, Jerry PADFIELD¹, Emily PECKHAM², Lauren WALKER^1,2

¹City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
²Bangor University, Bangor, Wales, United Kingdom

Introduction

People with a diagnosis of severe mental illness (SMI) such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, have poorer physical health, have a significantly increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) and die on average 15-20 years younger than people without SMI. People from racialised communities have an elevated risk of poor metabolic health. This can be compounded by ‘double disadvantage’ with higher rates of diagnosis of SMI amongst some racialised groups, making the risk of developing CVD and T2D even greater. Currently there are no interventions which reduce such risks in this population while the mortality gap is increasing.

Methods

Funded for 5 years by an NIHR Programme Grant for Applied Research, the PEGASUS study is currently holding focus groups run by service user / survivor researchers to gather data from people living with SMI and physical health challenges. In the focus groups, we are gathering perspectives on what helps and hinders pursuit of physical health interventions. In addition, we are collaborating with grass-root organisations to reach out to individuals from racialised communities. It is imperative to ensure people with diverse backgrounds are a key voice that informs how and why cultural understandings of health can be integrated. Data will be analysed using inductive and deductive framework analysis informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Results

The results of the focus group study will feed into an experience-based co-design process including community partners to develop a peer-supported group clinic intervention which aims to improve metabolic health. Co-design allows equal but different perspectives to inform the development of an intervention which is designed by and for those who will use it.

Discussion-conclusion

The intervention will be tested in a feasibility study involving 40 participants across NHS sites in the UK. Monitoring of the co-production work will allow evaluation of impact and challenges of a co-productive style of working.