Barker, P (1999) The Philosophy and Practice of Psychiatric Nursing. Churchill Livingstone, London. ISBN. 0443060045
Newell, R.Gournay, K (1999) Mental health Nursing: An Evidenced based approach. Churchill Livingstone, London. ISBN. 0443058733.

Library facilities.
Study skills/IT advisors.
Tutorial support.
Access to Blackboard
Access to computer and the internet.
Utilising email facilities.
Educational mentors/ Supervisors and/or specialists.

Include any additional admission requirements other than modules that must have been studied.

All students should be practicing GPs and other Mental Health Professionals working in a mental health setting.

The learning strategy employed within this module, is centred upon the interactive assessment strategies employed by other post-graduate module, which means that the student will be involved in the learning process, in the form of problem-based learning. The general mode of delivering this module is through seminar and workshop activities using role-play, video, published papers and practical work/case studies etc as illustrations.

A feature of the delivery will be discussions with the student, based on gathered evidence for appraisal and debate and through reflection of previous and current working practices. The teaching and learning strategies will also utilise a range of approaches, to include lead and key note lectures where deemed necessary, to ensure particular points of knowledge are explored and potentially achieved.

This module has been designed giving particular emphasis toward an integration of knowledge delivery, clinical application and assessment; to ensure that the educational and the sharing of clinical experiences will contribute to learning and to give the student confidence to explore, analyse and contribute to debate.

The modular teaching will further observe interactive strategies to reflect contemporary adult learning principles.

20% - Lead Lectuers
20% - PBL
20% - Student Led Seminars
20% - Role Play
20% - Workshops

This module intends to develop an evidence-based approach to clinical practice, professional artistry and values. Together with a focus upon the development of effective-positive personal communication and interpersonal skills of assessment and diagnosis, enablement and recovery philosophies and models of care.

The indicative content will include:
The role of the (G) PwSI MH- including- historical development of mental health and illness concepts.
Philosophies and principles underpinning practice, especially values and beliefs.
Legal and ethical issues.
Interpersonal skills of communication.
Mental health and illness definitions, inclusive of terms such as, `mental', mental health and illness, mental health problems, severe and enduring mental illness and behaviours.
The influence of such language on behaviours, practice and service design.
The current understanding of brain-mind function.
`Dumping Descartes'- mind-body dualism, mental-physical schismatic thinking.
The impact of policy development upon practice, placement of mental health and wellbeing, in terms of societal prioritisation. `Predicamental' health care.
National and local policy influence upon the delivery of services for people with mental illness.
Stigma- social inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice.
Self awareness, reflection and instillation of hope through recovery-based approaches.
Mental health promotion, commissioning for health and addressing the needs of vulnerable adults.

The clinical portfolio will be developed to include a range of evidence that demonstrates each student's personal and professional development and learning within the specialist field of mental health and wellbeing. Each piece of evidence will validate the student's achievement of the prescribed competencies for this module and be countersigned by the attached Educational Mentor, Supervisor and/or Specialist- in order to support each student's experience and learning opportunities- expectations.

Additional Assessment Details:
The portfolio provides evidence of (G) PwSI MH and Mental Health Professional practice that will `Measure Success' in the care of people with emotional, mental health needs. (NSF, 2005- Standard One);(WHO, 2005); (NIMHE/DoH, 2005)

Achieving Los 1,2,3 and 4.


The student will gain supportive feedback as they progress through the compilation of the portfolio, from their Educational Mentor/ supervisor; the patient/ family and carer groups; multi-agency and professional groups within their working locality; peer group and personal tutor.