Understanding the equally well framework in older adult community mental health services: A qualitative study of allied health clinician perspectives
Eunice Wong, Shama Aradhye, Stanley InnesObjective
Older adults living with mental illness experience significant physical health inequities and premature mortality. The
Method
Using a phenomenological approach, focus groups with nine allied health clinicians working in a community-based older adult mental health service explored understanding and implementation of EW. Data were thematically analysed using the Theoretical Domains Framework.
Results
Clinicians endorsed EW’s holistic intent but reported variable understanding, discipline-specific role ambiguity, administrative burden, and fragmented primary care as barriers, particularly in the context of frailty and multimorbidity. Facilitators included documentation prompts, multidisciplinary collaboration, and targeted training.
Conclusions
Allied health clinicians support EW principles but emphasise the need for organisational investment, practical training, streamlined documentation, and stronger primary-care links. Findings highlight the importance of age-sensitive adaptation of EW to ensure equitable physical health care for older adults with MI.