A feasibility study of a physical ac4vity interven4on for people with severe mental illness in medium secure psychiatric services in the United Kingdom

Gloria roden-lui¹Guy Faulkner²Mike Lucock³Simon Gibbon⁴Catherine Hewitt⁵Elizabeth Hughes⁶Wajid Khan⁷Kiara Lewis⁸Bal Singh⁷Phil Walters⁷Judith Watson⁵Tammi Walker^1*

• ¹Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
• ²University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• ³University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
• ⁴Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom
• ⁵University of York, York, United Kingdom
• ⁶GCUClinic, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
• ⁷South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Yorkshire, United Kingdom
• ⁸Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom

In the UK, there are approximately 3500 individuals detained in medium secure service. Service users in such se_ngs have complex and severe mental illness (SMI), oien with co-morbid physical health problems, shorter life expectancy and low levels of physical acZvity (PA). However, there are few studies about PA intervenZons for medium secure service users in the United Kingdom. Therefore, the aim of the study was to co-produce, with medium secure service users and staff, the content and delivery of an intervenZon to increase PA. Methods A feasibility and acceptability study were conducted to test the PA intervenZon using the Capability, Opportunity, MoZvaZon Behaviour Change Model (COM-B model) as the underpinning theoreZcal model. Both female and male service users, with personality disorder and/or mental illness, were recruited from two medium secure services in the UK. Outcome measures were collected at baseline, aier the intervenZon and at follow up (3-months aier intervenZon), and included PA levels, mental well-being, data on recruitment and retenZon and causes of drop out. Results A total of 33 parZcipants were recruited. Seven parZcipants withdrew during the intervenZon period and 26 parZcipants completed the PA intervenZon. During the follow up stage, three parZcipants withdrew. Following the intervenZon parZcipants increased PA and improved physical health and wellbeing. Overall, there was good retenZon for the PA intervenZon Conclusion RetenZon rates and completeness of data at both study sites indicate that it is feasible and acceptable to co-produce, deliver and maintain commitment to a PA intervenZon in such se_ngs for service users with SMI. A future pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) will allow further understanding about the effecZveness of the PA intervenZon in medium secure psychiatric services.