Towards the standardization of physical activity programs for severe mental ill health: a survey of current practice across 54 Mental Health Trusts in England.

Aims While physical activity (PA) is recommended in the treatment of severe mental illness (SMI), there are no standardized processes for implementing PA in mental healthcare, and the extent to which PA programs have been implemented is unknown. Therefore, we sought to describe usual care in terms of the provision of PA in the National Health Service (NHS) Mental Health Trusts in England for people with SMI. Methods We invited all NHS Mental Health Trusts across England to participate in a bespoke survey. Results Fifty-two mental health trusts (96.2%) responded, of which 47 (87%) offered some form of physical activity provision. The provision across these 47 trusts comprised 93 different types of PA programs. The programs that were identified showed vast differences in the types of physical activity offered, the settings in which they were provided, and the providers. Conclusions Although existing mental healthcare services are demonstrating good practice in some areas, the findings of this survey underline the pressing need for more standardization of PA programs that are delivered to people with SMI, better allocation of resources, staff training, improved monitoring of the delivery of these programs, and better PA support for patients as they transition to community care.

Standardizing Physical Activity for Mental Health Care

1. This study investigates the availability and delivery of physical activity programs in NHS mental health trusts across England for people who live with severe mental illness (SMI). People with SMI face significant health challenges, including higher risks of physical illnesses and reduced life expectancy compared to those without SMI. Physical activity benefits their physical and mental health, but there is little consistency in how it is implemented in routine care. We surveyed 52 mental health trusts to understand how they provide physical activity programs. While 47 trusts offer such programs, the types, settings, and delivery methods vary widely. Activities range from walking groups and gym sessions to football and yoga. Most programs are targeted at inpatients, with fewer options for outpatients. Programs are typically led by occupational therapists, fitness instructors, or mental health staff with sports qualifications. Challenges identified include a lack of standardised approaches, limited funding, and insufficient training for staff. Despite these barriers, some trusts have developed innovative and flexible approaches to meet patients’ needs, including partnerships with community organisations.

2. People with SMI often experience severe health disparities, and physical inactivity contributes significantly to their poor health outcomes. Regular physical activity can reduce the risks of chronic illnesses like heart disease and improve mental health recovery. However, inconsistencies in the availability and quality of programs mean that many patients miss out on these benefits. This research highlights the need for standardized physical activity programs within mental health care to ensure equitable and effective delivery. Standardization would help trusts offer consistent, evidence-based interventions, optimize resource allocation, and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, the study provides insights into the barriers and facilitators of implementing such programs, offering a roadmap for improvement. Implementing robust physical activity programs in mental health care could significantly enhance the quality of life for people with SMI and reduce healthcare costs by preventing physical illnesses and hospitalizations.