A 3,000 word critical reflection on a case from your area of work where you were faced with assessing an individual with possible mental health issues, identifying appropriate referral pathways, 100% Weighting(assessing all LO’s)

Formative Assessment / Feedback:
On activities providing formative feedback via Blackboard

Approaches to mental health assessment-utilising different models, tools and considering evidence based practice

Assessment as a therapeutic intervention including cognitive behavioural approaches to assessment, formulation and intervention

Single assessment and multi professional, multi agency working
Personal and professional philosophy, including ethical and legal standing

The principles and process of mental health assessment including interviewing and history taking

Contextual issues and a holistic approach in evaluating health
User and carer involvement, negotiation, consent and issues of choice
Pathway for appropriate mental health referral
Physical and biological factors that could impact on an individual’s mental health

Mental health promotion and education
Use of Information technology and record keeping

The module requires participation from students to relate and utilise elements of mental health assessment relevant to the students' own clinical area of work. The module is divided into independent learning and contact time. A range of strategies will be used during the contact time including:

The Guided Independent Study Hours will be supported through on-line activities on Blackboard which will be appropriate to Level 6 Students

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (21 hours)
5 hours Group work and discussion
14 hours Lectures
2 hours Individual and group tutorials

Guided Independent Study: (129 hours)
20 hours Work based investigation
69 hours Reading and Study
40 hours Assignment preparation

Library
IT resources
Blackboard

Work in an environment where you come into with individuals who may have mental health issues

1. Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate a range of mental health assessment approaches to gain an understanding of the key concepts and principles of mental health assessment within a non-mental health environment. (Analysis, Enquiry)

2. Demonstrate the ability to apply learning from the module to critically reflect on decision making and problem solving in the context of the mental health assessment. (Application, Problem Solving, Reflection)

3. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the key factors that impact on an individual’s mental health to undertake an assessment making explicit the limitations of your role and responsibilities in order to make an appropriate onward referral if required. (Knowledge and Understanding, Learning)

BARKER, P. (2004) Assessment in psychiatric and mental health nursing: in search of the whole person. Second Edition Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes
JOHNSTONE, L and Dallos, R (2014) Formulation in Psychology and Psychotherapy: Making sense of peoples problems. Routledge , London.
TRENOWETH, S and MOONE ,N (2017) Psychosocial Assessment in Mental Health. Sage, London
WRYCRAFT, N (2015) Assessment and Careplanning in Mental Health Nursing , Two Penn Plaza, NY

There is growing recognition that mental health is a crucial factor that influences an individual’s overall health and well being. The need to view mental health as a priority with a status equal to that afforded physical health is increasingly reflected in health policy. Furthermore, there is growing acceptance that mental health issues are not only the remit of specialist services but rather demand attention from all services, individuals and professionals who work with the public.

This module is designed to facilitate the development of your knowledge and skills in mental health assessment and relevant referral pathways appropriate to your role and scope of practice. Your learning will be facilitated by specialist practitioners via a flexible approach that utilises both face to face contact and distance learning. The module assessment will provide you with the opportunity to apply your enhanced understanding as part of a case study focusing on mental health assessment.