Filling the gaps and finding our way: Family carers navigating the health care system to access physical health services for the people they care for

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To elicit the perspectives of carers of people with mental illness regarding access to, and experience with, physical health care services for mental health consumers. BACKGROUND: People diagnosed with mental illness have increased risks of physical illness and earlier death, problems able to be addressed through better physical health services. Carers of people with mental illness play a significant role in the mental health care system yet research examining their views is lacking. DESIGN: QUALITATIVE EXPLORATORY: METHODS: Indepth interviews were conducted with 13 mental health carers. They were asked to describe their views and experiences pertaining to the physical health and availability of physical health care for of the people they care for. Data were analysed using the framework of Braun and Clarke. RESULTS: Analysis of carer responses identified two important themes: responsiveness and access, and a shortage of care co-ordination. Carers felt alienated from physical health care providers and were compelled to fill gaps in available care through persistence in ensuring access to physical health care services. CONCLUSIONS: The findings identify carers as key stakeholders in the physical health care of the people they care for. Their involvement in accessing and co-ordinating care provides vital perspective on health service capacity which requires further consideration in the practice and research domains. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Carers of people diagnosed with mental illness are crucial to the effective delivery of mental health services. Their perspectives must be central to their research agenda and contribute to the development of initiatives to improve clinical practice and promote improved physical health care. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.