A practical toolkit to support Australian mental health clinicians to manage Metabolic Syndrome: A pilot study

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) results in poor physical health outcomes and reduced life expectancy of up to 20 years less for people living with severe mental illness. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate a locally developed practical toolkit (Let's Get Physical-Improved Physical Health in Mental Health Services-A Practical Toolkit) to support mental health clinicians to manage MetS. The study explored clinician's knowledge and attitudes towards managing MetS, confidence to screen for and intervene in MetS, and improvement in documentation. A longitudinal prospective study, utilizing audit and pre-post-questionnaire design, was conducted. Of the 60 clinicians who were employed in the regional inpatient unit, 65% (n = 39) participated in at least one of the intervention education sessions. The final sample comprised 17 clinicians with matched pre- and post-intervention data (28% of eligible participants). A total of 80 (20 per month) eMR metabolic monitoring form and patient file audits were conducted. Whilst the results were not statistically significant, this study found an overall improvement in clinicians' knowledge of, and confidence to screen for and intervene in, MetS. Attitude scores were overall positive. There was also overall improvement in MetS documentation. The implementation of the practical evidence-informed physical health in mental health services toolkit may have a positive impact on clinician knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in screening and intervening in MetS. Replicating this study with a larger sample is recommended.