Common use of Access to Support Clause in Contracts

Access to Support. In general populations it has proved a significant public health challenge motivating individuals to follow national recommendations for improving their physical health through exercise. In order to lead a healthier lifestyle, individuals with SMI face extra obstacles as it is more difficult to be involved in activity because of the sedating effects of certain drugs and the symptoms of the underlying disorder, particularly when depression or negative symptoms of schizophrenia are present. People with SMI are less likely to seek help and it has been suggested that those with schizophrenia are particularly less inclined to report their symptoms (▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ et al., 2017). Reduced awareness of physical health problems in people with schizophrenia has been suggested as being due to cognitive deficits associated with the syndrome, a high pain tolerance, or a reduced pain sensitivity associated with antipsychotic medication (Jeste, 1996). Current healthcare systems, both national and international, also present numerous challenges to patients with mental illness in need of medical care, including limited access, a lack of system integration, and provision of substandard care, making access to medical care more difficult (▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ et al., 2003). General access to healthcare is sometimes quantified using rates of appendicitis with rupture. In this respect, increased rupture rates in the general population are observed in older age groups, those without health insurance, and certain minority groups. In a large Taiwanese study, patients with schizophrenia had a 2.8-fold increased risk of appendicitis with rupture compared to the general population (▇▇▇▇ Et al., 2007), supporting a hypothesis of delayed presentation and/or recognition. Access to care is also restricted for those who are uninsured or underinsured, a situation for many people with SMI in countries with insurance-supported healthcare systems (▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ et al., 2003). Access to healthcare can also be hampered by more proximal and procedural barriers. For example, a UK Disability Rights Commission investigation (DRC London, 2006) found that many patients with mental health disorders reported difficulty with scheduling procedures and with anxiety in waiting rooms. Finally, there are socio-economic consequences of suffering from a mental health disorder, such as social exclusion, poverty, homelessness, poor housing and reduced social networks, all of which may impact on physical health and help-seeking behaviour.