PHILM GP STUDY (CPMS 59959, IRAS 337816)

UPDATED - 24/06/2024

Study Summary

Concerningly, people with mental health diagnoses die younger than people in the general population. Physical health problems, such as cardiovascular illness, have been repeatedly shown to be the leading cause of these excess deaths. Physical illness might not be identified at GP surgeries because of missed, incorrect, or delayed diagnoses, or problems with patients presenting in an appropriate timeframe and at the most appropriate service.

This study seeks to understand how physical illness is diagnosed in primary care for people with mental health conditions - what goes well and what can be improved - focusing on people with a diagnosis

of severe mental illness (SMI) or personality disorder. 

The Study Team will explore the experiences of patients, carers and GPs through qualitative semi-structured interviews. The study will involve three GP practices across England (one in C&P, one in the Midlands, and one in the North of England)

The study aims to recruit around 8-10 patients and 5 GPs in each site.

Inclusion Criteria

Patients

• Have received a diagnosis of SMI or personality disorder at least 3 years ago.

• Are over 18 years old.

• Are able and willing to give informed consent.

• Have received an invitation (via text to take part in the study)

Group A:

• Have attended their GP at least once in the past year.

Group B:

• Have not attended their GP in the past year.

GPs

Study will include GPs working with patients with a diagnosis of SMI or personality disorder. The inclusion criteria are as follows:

• Qualified GPs or GP registrars with at least 1 year’s work experience in general practice.

• Are able and willing to give informed consent.

The Study Team will seek to recruit GPs with different levels of seniority and experience (aiming for around half the sample to be within 5 years of qualification, and the other half to be post-5 years of qualification).

Exclusion Criteria

• Participants <18 years old

• No mental health diagnosis (SMI or personality disorder) obtained in the last 3 years (for patients)

• GP trainees with less than 1 year’s work experience in general practice.

Study Resources

Access for the SystmOne and EMIS study resources can be requested below.

For further guidance on using the resources, please refer to the guidance documents and further useful information on the PRIDES page.

The searches have been created with the study specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. 

If you require any further information or help, please contact the IT Specialists:

Jodie Button – jodie.button@nihr.ac.uk

Chris Wright – chris.wright@nihr.ac.uk

Disclaimer:

Please note the resources provided are designed to assist with the identification of potentially suitable patients and to appropriately code these patients if required.

These resources have been developed based on the criteria provided by the relevant study team and whilst every effort has been made to make them universally implementable they rely on read codes and the data stored in the individual practice's clinical system. These resources are intended to assist with identification but should be used in conjunction with clinical oversight and a clear understanding of the study parameters.

While we endeavour to keep the information, tools and resources provided up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the tools provided for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of the tools provided.