Abstract: Objective: To systematically evaluate qualitative research on self-management experiences of patients with Severe Mental Illness (SMI), and to understand the obstacles and promoting factors in the process of self-management, as well as unmet needs. To provide a basis for health care workers to develop interventions to improve physical outcomes in SMI patients. Methods: Computer search of domestic and foreign databases established the database until October 30, 2023. Results: A total of 16 literature were included, 57 research results were extracted and summarized into 13 new categories, forming 4 integrated results: patients with SMI face heavy symptom burden, and self-management is difficult; explore individualized strategies and actively seek change; self-management is inseparable from external support; patients' needs are not fully met. Conclusion: Patients usually lack effective strategies in face of the symptoms. In this process, medical staff need to provide various supports, including education and training of coping skills, setting up a peer support platform, and promoting doctor-patient joint decision-making, so as to enhance their self-management ability and improve their health outcomes.

Key words: Severe Mental Illness; self-management; qualitative research; mental care; Meta-synthesis