Advanced and comprehensive mental health assessment - utilising different models and considering evidence based practice
Assessment as a therapeutic intervention including motivational interviewing and brief interventions
Personal and professional philosophy, including ethical and legal standing
The principles of health assessment, interviewing and history taking and problem formulation
Contextual issues and holistic practice in evaluating health/clinical reasoning
User and carer involvement, negotiation, consent and issues of choice for service users
Assessment schedules and rating scales
The physical health needs of mental health clients
Mental health promotion and psycho education
Documentation.

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 80% and contact time 20%. A range of strategies will be used during the contact time including:

Group work and discussion (40%)
Role-play with discussion and feedback (10%)
Lectures (40%)
Individual and group tutorials (10%)

The 123 hours of independent study will be partly organised by the student. This independent study will include action learning, peer learning, team learning, clinical supervision, reading and assignment preparation.

In addition students may, if they wish, complete a formative assessment: Individual presentation of a justified plan for a mental health assessment

An in-depth reflective critique of a mental health assessment.

Pass with distinction:
An outstanding piece of work, which meets all of the requirements of a merit grade and in addition:
Demonstrates creativity and innovation. There is substantial evidence of critique, challenge and original thought. The arguments presented are compelling and authoritative and demonstrate synthesis to support new ideas.

Pass with merit:
A piece of work, which meets all the requirements of a pass grade and in addition:
Presents arguments, which have been underpinned by a thorough exploration of data and conceptual-based evidence, which may go beyond the boundaries of the discipline. Discussion communicates ideas and arguments logically, concisely, clearly and effectively.

Pass:
Proficient, fluently presented arguments that demonstrate understanding of theoretical issues in the application of knowledge. Work includes critical analysis that demonstrates breadth and depth of literature and knowledge in the subject area, and originality in presentation. The use of evidence demonstrates and understanding of the advancement of the boundaries of knowledge and is used as a basis for problem solving. Referencing is complete and accurate.

Barker, P. (1997) Assessment in psychiatric and mental health nursing: in search of the whole person. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes. ISBN: 0748731741
Coppock, V. & Hopton, J. (2000) Critical perspectives on mental health. London: Routledge. ISBN: 1857288793
Farrell, E. (1997) The complete guide to mental health: the comprehensive guide to choosing therapy, counselling and psychiatric care. London: Vermilion. ISBN: 0091815207
Morgan, S. (1996) Helping relationships in mental health. London: Chapman & Hall. ISBN: 0412617501
Perkins, R. & Repper, J. (1999) Working alongside people with long term mental health problems. Cheltenham: Stanley Thornes. ISBN: 0748751718

Library and learning resources.
Access to pc with Internet facilities