2021 Vanguard Grant

Years funded: 2022-2023

Professor Jenny Bowman's project addresses the critical need to reduce the inequity in cardiovascular health, and physical health generally, experienced by people living with a mental health condition. It further strengthens a partnership between the researchers and Flourish Australia (one of Australia’s largest CMOs). PhysiCards, have been developed by Flourish Australia staff and consumers to address disempowerment and low health literacy, and assist consumers to identify and seek support for cardiovascular and other health concerns. This research will evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of PhysiCards in a pilot randomised controlled trial. If the findings demonstrate efficacy, future research will evaluate effectiveness of the tool when implemented within routine practice. There is potential for translation of PhysiCards across the broader CMO sector, and other settings. The tool represents a potential means of addressing critical gaps in providing care for cardiovascular health concerns to a very large number of mental health consumers at a national level.