Exploring Mental Health Consumer Perceptions and Experiences of Goal-Setting With the Physical Health Nurse Consultant

Abstract

Despite the implementation of physical health policies, research and interventions, people diagnosed with mental health conditions (referred to as consumers) continue to experience increased morbidity and mortality compared with the general population. Underpinning this disparity, systemic and personal barriers continue to impede consumers' abilities, commitment and resourcing towards health behaviour changes. Evidence suggests appropriately skilled, interpersonally capable and empowered healthcare professionals like Physical Health Nurse Consultants can deliver person-centred physical health care aligning with goal-setting theory. However, little to no research focuses on the application of goal-setting theory regarding physical health interventions for consumers. This qualitative exploratory study seeks to explore consumers' views and experiences using goal-setting to co-develop and implement their personalised health goals. Between November 2020 and April 2021, fourteen consenting consumers participated in 30-to-60-min semi-structured individual interviews that were transcribed and thematically analysed. Three themes identified from the data reflect consumers' positive experience of health goal-setting with the PHNC. The themes communicate: (i) the process of goal-setting, (ii) techniques, barriers and facilitators to implementing and sustaining, and (iii) impact of health goals. Consumers perceived collaborative care-planning processes aligning with goal-setting theory facilitated co-development and implementation of varying health goals and goal types. Barriers to consumers' health goal attainment were effectively mitigated by the PHNC who applied elements of goal-setting theory to increase congruency with their physical and mental capacity and commitment. Subsequently, consumers indicated positive impacts on several health domains indicating the value of the PHNC in supporting behaviour change and directing future research regarding consumer physical health interventions to underpin behaviour change theories and measure both clinical and personal outcomes.