Integrated health: optimising strength and resilience Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust

Although medicine often focuses on physical health, it is recognised that psychological factors play a significant role in overall health and wellbeing. 

This project involved promoting an integrated approach to physical and psychological health through the application of health psychology theory in an acute NHS Trust. It sought to address the problems of psychological distress in patients and their families, occupational stress in NHS staff and poor organisational culture.

The programme promoted an understanding of the normal range of psychological and physical responses that anyone can experience when faced with challenges. Based on a strengths-based, reflective practice framework, it was delivered through multi-media communication platforms and workstreams, including workshops, committee work, lectures, information technology, change champions, and the development of policy and strategy. 

During the programme, 113 patients and family members and 100 staff attended workshops. Pre- and post-workshop measures showed a significant increase in well-being; a significant reduction in distress; and a significant increase in knowledge of stress, confidence, managing stress and increasing feelings of resilience. There was also a statistically significant reduction in mental health stigma shown through changes in attitudes, for example, participants’ willingness to work with someone with a mental health problem increased. 

Overall, the programme received positive feedback from patients, family and staff. 

The project team will go on to develop training materials and to promote the programme across the local area through King’s Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre.

Contact information

For more information about this project, please contact Dr Anne-Marie Doyle, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Psychological Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, London.