Physical Health Screening of Consumers in a Mental Health Rehabilitation Setting: Implementation and Evaluation of an...

People with severe mental illness experience high rates of preventable physical health conditions. This study aimed to evaluate a purpose-built online tool to improve physical health screening rates within an inpatient mental health rehabilitation facility. The tool was developed using a web-based database and survey platform called REDCap. The mixed-methods evaluation consisted of three patient file audits (pre implementation, 3 and 6-month follow-up) assessing completion of mandated screening forms, and pre-post mental health nurses' (MHNs') surveys (n=47) and two semi-structured focus groups exploring MHNs' (n=9) attitudes and perspectives regarding the tool and physical health screening. Screening rates improved following implementation of the tool across a range of key metrics with 44% recorded at baseline and 72% at post-implementation with improvements sustained at 6 months. Surveys showed significant improvements in MHN confidence and knowledge. Focus groups recognised comorbid physical vulnerabilities for consumers, a range of barriers to screening and expressed strong endorsement for the project. These results show that a simple online tool, combined with tailored training can improve physical health screening rates and enhance MHNs' knowledge and confidence. The findings highlight the need for ongoing professional development, system-level support, and consumer engagement to address physical health disparities.