Author Description

"This a well-researched and practical guide to understanding the physical health needs of people diagnosed with mental illness. The book's major strength is distilling the practical steps that nurses can take to improve their practice in this area. It is written in an engaging style, and covers topics central to improving mental health service users' physical health and well being." Dr Patrick Callaghan, Professor of Mental Health Nursing and Chartered Health Psychologist, University of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, UK This groundbreaking book provides mental health nurses with the core knowledge of the physical health issues that they need for their work, and places these in a context that can be easily integrated into clinical practice. Michael Nash considers the risk factors and assessment priorities amongst different mental health client groups and provides clinical insights into how best to work with service users to ensure their health is assessed and improved. Readers are encouraged to critically examine the notion that poor health in clients is solely related to lifestyle factors and how best they can contribute to better health outcomes for their clients. The book includes coverage of: Core concepts of physical health/illness in mental illness Impacts of physical illness on people with severe mental illness Current practice issues and barriers to good physical health 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.