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MiOTA Fall Conference 2026
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Are We Prepared? Exploring Practitioner Perspectives (and/or) preparedness to care for patients with physical medical conditions co-occurring with serious mental illness (SMI)
Friday October 2, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Brahams (88)
Individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI) may present to acute medical settings with physical health diagnoses. SMI can shape communication, participation, clinical decision-making, discharge planning, and overall care outcomes even though it is not the primary diagnosis in these cases. We explored practitioners’ preparation and support to address the intersection of mental and physical health needs in fast-paced acute care environments.
In this session, we will present qualitative findings from interviews with acute care practitioners who care for patients with serious mental health conditions alongside primary medical diagnoses. It explores how these presentations influence assessment, treatment planning, patient engagement, and interdisciplinary care. The discussion highlights practitioner perspectives on preparedness, training gaps, continuing education needs, and challenges in managing complex psychosocial and medical needs.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
  • Describe how serious mental health conditions influence care delivery in acute settings.
  • Identify challenges in managing co-occurring medical and mental health conditions.
  • Recognize gaps in practitioner education and training.
  • Discuss strategies to strengthen preparedness and interdisciplinary care.


De Hert, M., Cohen, D. A. N., Bobes, J., Cetkovich-Bakmas, M., Leucht, S., Ndetei, D. M., ... & Correll, C. U. (2011). Physical illness in patients with severe mental disorders. II. Barriers to care, monitoring and treatment guidelines, plus recommendations at the system and individual level. World psychiatry, 10(2), 138. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2051-5545.2011.tb00036.x 
Giandinoto, J.-A., Stephenson, J. and Edward, K.-l. (2018), General hospital health professionals’ attitudes and perceived dangerousness towards patients with comorbid mental and physical health conditions: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Mental Health Nurs, 27: 942-955. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12433
Lawrence D, & Kisely S. (2010) Review: Inequalities in healthcare provision for people with severe mental illness. Journal of Psychopharmacology
Speakers
avatar for Issra Al-Sager

Issra Al-Sager

Student, Eastern Michigan University
Issra Al-Sager is a second-year Master of Occupational Therapy student at Eastern Michigan University with a passion for research at the intersection of healthcare access and equity. Her clinical interests span neonatal and acute care settings, with a growing focus on improving care... Read More →
DJ

Dr. Jillian Graves

Associate Professor, Eastern Michigan University
Jillian Graves is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work and has worked as a social worker in both mental health and juvenile justice settings for over 20 years in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Michigan with a focus working with people with severe mental illnesses and... Read More →
SK

Sarah Kilts

Clinical Fellow, Mala Child & Family Institute
Sarah Kilts is a recent Master of Social Work graduate from Eastern Michigan University and a Licensed Limited Master Social Worker (LLMSW) clinical fellow at Mala Child & Family Institute. With a foundation in research and a deep commitment to the well-being of children and families... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Renuka ‘Ray’ Roche

Dr. Renuka ‘Ray’ Roche

Program Director and Associate Professor, Eastern Michigan University
Dr. Renuka Roche is the Program Director of and Associate Professor in the Occupational Therapy Program at Eastern Michigan University. Her research focuses on Occupation-centered improvement of performance with the eventual goal of developing intervention methods and best practice... Read More →
Friday October 2, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Brahams (88)
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