Throughout January we are exploring the theme of Healthy Body, Healthy Mind. For today’s blog, we spoke with M, a person supported at Thornford Park, and Dr Laura Cherrington, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist. They’re both involved in a Quality Improvement project to investigate reducing metabolic syndrome among patients at the service.
Dr Cherrington explained: “When we looked at the data around people supported within a low secure ward at Thornford Park, we found that 84% of the people were overweight or obese and that a large proportion were also prescribed
anti-psychotic medications which are known to have a potentially negative impact on a person’s weight.
“We wanted to reduce those levels and the aim of the QI project is to reduce the prevalence of metabolic syndrome by 50% over the course of a year.
“To do this we needed to gather a team including the existing Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT) and the Dietician and Practice Nurse, who were really enthusiastic. They were already working on weight management guidelines, which dovetailed nicely with this QI project. It was important however that this is a truly co-produced project.
“M is a patient on the ward and he was the Nutrition Champion there. And so it was key that he was part of the team taking the QI project forward. He has taken a very important role in developing and rolling out this project on the ward.”
The team who were to be involved in the QI project all attended QI training and the co-produced project began in earnest.
M said: “Physical health and fitness are really important to me. You have to pay more attention to your weight and exercise when you are an in-patient in a hospital and when you are getting older. And while there were some people who were not interested in changing their approach to health and fitness, there were many others who did want to make changes.
“Since we launched the project we have been working closely with the Dietician and Practice Nurse to run regular sessions where we share information and advice about weight management, diet and exercise as well as regularly reviewing and measuring sugar and cholesterol every three months.
“The nutrition group meets regularly and advises on healthy options, diet and how people can track their progress. We have tried to incorporate more activities into the day including walks. We’re encouraging people to come and eat in the hospital café because there’s lots of healthy options there.”
While it’s early days, enthusiasm and participation from the people supported on the ward – and the staff team – has been high. 85% of the patients on the ward have engaged in the project so far and questionnaires about attitudes and understanding around diet and exercise have had good responses from both people supported on the ward, and the staff team.
M said: “It is going quite well and we’re seeing some progress for people already. We have put up posters to encourage people to take part. It’s been good, I’ve been learning things about myself too and I’ve enjoyed being involved.”
The project exploring reducing metabolic syndrome in patients at Thornford Park will run for up to 18 months.
Dr Cherrington added: “There is some way to go yet, but initial signs are already very encouraging.”
For more information on our mental health and wellbeing services or make a referral to Thornford Park, please contact the 24-hour referral line by calling 0800 218 2398, or email us at referrals@elysiumhealthcare.co.uk.