Background Service users with severe mental illness (SMI) are at increased risk of physical
health co-morbidity such as musculoskeletal pain, neurological impairment, obesity and
COPD; many of which require input from physiotherapists. Physiotherapists play a pivotal
role in treatment of those with SMI but are reported to lack skills and confidence with this
patient group. Furthermore, disparities in accessing healthcare are evidenced for those with
SMI. Purpose This study explored experiences of physiotherapeutic care for those with co …