Supporting Staff To Address the Physical Health of Consumers in Mental Healthcare Settings: A Modified Nominal Group Technique

Mental health consumers experience challenges in accessing regular physical healthcare. Staff working in mental health settings are well-positioned to address the issue; however, they often face significant barriers in delivering physical healthcare. The primary aim of this study was to identify important factors that support mental health staff to address the physical health of consumers; the secondary aim was to evaluate the utility of using a modified nominal group technique (NGT). Four main methodological modifications to standard NGT methods were made: (i) theoretical models (COM-B and Theoretical Domains Framework) were used to frame the NGT process, (ii) idea generation and ranking steps were conducted outside NGT sessions, (iii) both in-person and online groups were offered, and (iv) participants contributed to interpretation and dissemination of the findings. Individuals with expertise in the mental health sector participated in one of two NGT sessions, either in-person (n=13) or online (n=8). Considering Australian public mental health services, participants responded to the question: "What is needed for staff to optimally address physical health within their role?". Additionally, participant experiences and acceptability of this modified NGT process were evaluated through follow-up interviews (n=6). A total of 55 concepts were generated within COM-B components: capability (n=18), opportunity (n=26), and motivation (n=11). Highest-ranking key concepts were awareness (capability), leadership support (opportunity), and beliefs (motivation). Qualitative data indicated that the modified NGT method was effective, particularly when using a framework to guide ideas generation; however, the additional time commitment may reduce feasibility.