For an uninterrupted learning experience, please use Google Chrome, Safari or Firefox as your browser. If you use Internet Explorer, you may not be able to view or access parts of this course.* 

JAPNA Article: Physical Health Problems Among People With Mental Illnesses: Race, Gender and Implications for Practice - Jul-Aug 2021 (27:4)

Individuals with a diagnosis of a mental illness are at an increased risk for major physical health problems compared to the general population. Moreover, individuals with a diagnosis of a severe mental illness do not receive physical healthcare services as often or thoroughly as their counterparts. However, the extent to which health problems manifest for different racial and gender individuals with a diagnosis of a severe mental illness are unclear. More information is needed about the nuances of physical health needs of individuals with a diagnosis of a severe mental illness in order to inform providers caring for this population of their specific needs. This study explores the physical health needs of a sample of individuals with a diagnosis of a severe mental illness to identify differences based on race and gender and access to care. Recommendations (based on the study data) are provided that could help physical health care providers tailor their education and services to consumers with a diagnosis of a severe mental illness.

Authors:  Ashley D. Givens, PhD, MSW, Amy Blank Wilson, PhD, LSW, Tonya B. Van Deinse, PhD, MSW, Andrea Murray-Lichtman, MSW, LCSW, Gary S. Cuddeback, PhD, MSW, MPH

Disclosures:  The authors and planners have no conflict of interest or commercial support to disclose. Off-label use of medication will not be discussed.

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this article, the participant will be able to:

1. Identify the physical health needs of individuals with a diagnosis of a severe mental illnesses
2. Identify the gender and race differences in health needs of individuals with a diagnosis of a severe mental illness
3. Describe specific ways in which practice can be tailored to meet the needs of individuals with a diagnosis of a severe mental illness

Keywords:  Health concerns, Outpatient, Safety

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
1.0 contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: read the entire article, complete an evaluation and honor statement, and earn a passing score on the post-test. You will have 5 tries to correctly answer the questions on the post-test and a score of 80% is required to pass. You will be able to print or email a certificate once all steps are completed. 

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

The contact hours for this session expire:  August 31, 2023.

*Internet Explorer is an outdated browser and therefore when using it, APNA eLearning Center courses often will not load or play properly. Because Internet Explorer is still the default browser on many devices, this is the number one issue that impacts learners’ ability to access their courses. For an uninterrupted learning experience, please download and use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, etc. If you continue to experience issues, you may need to update your browser.