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Purpose To evaluate the added value of somatic screening for patients with severe mental illness over regular care. Design and Methods We compared the information on somatic health problems collected by screening with the general practitioner ( GP) files ( n = 118). Findings The mean number of somatic health problems detected with somatic health screening was significantly higher than those noted in GP records ( p < .01). Practice Implications Somatic health screening is an addition to the care provided by the GP. Advanced mental health nurses can play a key role in somatic health screening and initiating further cooperation and communication of GP and mental health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article defines the characteristics of palliative care patient. It is mentioned that for clear descriptions of palliative care patients, design involves a systematic review of medical literature for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). It suggests that elements of the patients' health status and the care delivered to them should be included in the definition of a palliative care patient. It is concluded that published RCTs have no clear definitions of palliative care patients.