FdSc Mental Health Practice

Assessment:  

This module aims to introduce the field of mental health and act as a foundation for other modules on the course. The module will provide an opportunity to commence exploring the topic of defining mental health as both a biological and social construct. You will examine mental health and mental distress within the context of society. The module will introduce and explore how mental health is defined considering perspectives from a range of disciplines, such as the social sciences, and psychology. Social and psychological theory will be examined in conjunction with policy, legislation, and mental health practice. The module will, as an introductory module, explore the common mental health disorders, and examine factors that may cause mental distress, such social determinants, inequality, stigma, and stereotype.  

In addition, it provides a platform to explore changes in values, attitudes, and ideologies over time and to question paradigm shifts in discrimination versus acceptance. Given the changing emphasis on equity and parity of mental health within the NHS, this module provides the ideal medium within which to explore the development of mental health practice. 

Assessment:

Essay (100% of module weighting)  

The module presents the anatomical and biological foundations of health across the life span as a dynamic process. The core of the course is concerned with an integrated study of human biology, drawing on the disciplines of anatomy, physiology, molecular biology. This provides an underpinning knowledge of how the body works. The module will also introduce the brain and basic brain physiology linked to practice. 

Assessment:

Exam (100% of module weighting) 

This module will allow you the opportunity to consider different approaches to communication in healthcare and the impact that this will have when working with different people. Multidisciplinary and multi-agency working involves appropriately utilising knowledge, skills and best practice from multiple disciplines and across services and students will explore the effectiveness of these when providing care. There will be a strong focus on ensuring fair treatment and opportunity for all, considering ways in which all individuals are treated with dignity, across the lifespan. 

Assessment:

Individual Presentation (100% of module weighting) 

Ethical and legal issues associated with the provision of health care in the UK are becoming increasingly complex and have much influence on professional practice, accountability and individual responsibility. Practitioners are frequently required to differentiate between the law and personal values in order to discharge their duty of care within an increasingly litigious and challenging environment. This module provides opportunities for you to explore ethical and legal issues in relation to relevant laws, codes of practice, theories, personal value systems and beliefs. You will be encouraged to reflect upon their own professional practice to explore professional, ethical and legal responsibilities, rights, and accountabilities. Practitioners need an understanding if safeguarding in practice – their roles and responsibilities to safeguard adults and children.

Assessment: 

Professional Discussion (100% of module weighting)  

The mental health sector is sensitive to change, and is affected by the political, social, legal, and economic environment. The purpose of this module is to explore past and current factors that impact the design and delivery of mental health services. You will explore key debates and trends within mental health and examine the influence of policy and practice initiatives. The module is designed to enhance your awareness of mental health practice, and reflect upon the strategic development, environment, and delivery of services both now and in the future. You will develop a foundation knowledge of the mental health sector. The module will examine and explore the principles of healthcare delivery and the philosophies of care than enables safe and effective practice. 

Assessment: 

Essay (100% of module weighting) 

The intent of this module is to equip you with a critical understanding of how common mental health disorders are assessed in mental health practice. The module will explore the purpose and types of mental health assessments conducted to inform client-centered, recovery-focused interventions. The module will examine the different approaches and types of assessments used to effectively assess service-users with a range of common mental health disorders. You will explore how to differentiate between the biological, psychological, and social approaches to understanding risk and harm. You will explore a range of standardised and non-standardised approaches to assessment and risk assessment, and their contribution to practice. The module will encourage you to examine and reflect upon factors that keep children and adults safe and reducing/managing those factors that place them at risk. You will reflect upon the lifestyle factors that may increase or mitigate risks, including protective factors. You will be able to identify and debate the risk factors and indicators around harm to adequately safeguard wellbeing. You will explore their role within the risk assessment and management process, understanding their role as part of the wider MDT, to provide an integrated approach to risk management. You will explore risk throughout the life course and how stigma, discrimination, and isolation can contribute to it. You will explore the core knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to conduct an assessment/risk assessment, to identify and manage risk effectively. This module is intended to be reflective in nature, and clear links will be made between theory and practice.

Assessment: 

Reflective Journal (100% of module weighting)  

This module will provide you with an introduction to the key theories of human development. There are many different theoretical approaches regarding human development and this module will cover a holistic approach, covering physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development of humans throughout the lifespan, covering from conception to old age. You will explore the growth of individuals throughout the lifespan and consider the impact of decline. You will need to give consideration to the issues that practitioners will encounter relating to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development growth and decline. 

Assessment: 

Case Study (100% of module weighting) 

You will develop a theoretical awareness of the common interventions used within the mental health sector to support recovery. Attention will be paid to the main, evidence-based, pharmacological, psychological, and social interventions used to manage barriers caused by common mental health conditions, psychosocial issues, and mental distress. You will examine, using the evidence-base, research, and policy, the effectiveness of a range of interventions and be able to justify their use.  

The module will examine the role of health promotion in supporting the health and wellbeing of individuals across the lifespan. The aim is to develop a critical awareness of the key concepts, debates, and approaches in health promotion, exploring it relevance in contemporary practice. You will explore the role of the professional in supporting behaviour change, using evidence-based approaches, theory, and models. You will also explore the importance of monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of health promotion activities as well as developing an awareness of how common interventions are monitored and evaluated, and how this informs the ongoing assessment and intervention process.   

 The module will have a strong focus on recovery-based, and value-based principles, and provide you with the opportunity to examine the relationship between intervention and the promotion of personal recovery. You will explore the recovery movement, its influence in modern mental health practice, and consider how their role in promoting the health and wellbeing of patients/service-users in day-to-day practice, such as providing health education, advice, and guidance. There will be a focus on exploring local and national health priorities, and policy, and the role health promotion plays in addressing these priorities. You will be expected to examine the importance of service-user involvement in the intervention process, promoting therapeutic alliance.  

Assessment:

Intervention Plan and Rationale (100% of module weighting)  

This module focuses on the principles and practices of service development, emphasis will be placed on enhancing patient safety and quality of care through research and leadership. It is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to continuous service improvement of healthcare services to enhance the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery.  

Central to this module is the engagement with practice-based research. You will develop their ability to read, assess, interpret, and apply research specifically in the context of the healthcare. You will gain insights into various methodological approaches that bridge the gap between evidence and practice.  

Leadership is another critical focus of the module. You will examine the roles of supervision and leadership in the NHS, developing the knowledge, skills, and behaviours associated with effective leadership. They will study different leadership styles and approaches within the health and care sector, reflecting on their own leadership potential and the impact of leadership on service development. By understanding the nuances of leadership in healthcare, students will appreciate the importance of personal and professional development in achieving high-quality practice and be better prepared to lead teams and initiatives that drive service improvement.  

Clinical governance is another critical area of focus, with students exploring its role in enhancing practice quality. You will investigate the pillars of clinical governance, including clinical audit, research and development, education and training, and risk management.  

Assessment:

Service Development Plan (60% of module weighting) 
VIVA Discussion (40% of module weighting) 

You should have an awareness of current factors impacting the sector and the opportunities and challenges that these bring. This will be a fundamental part of this module, that allows for you to develop your employability and professionalism.    

 It is crucial that you have self-awareness and knowledge of professionalism and professional practice. This module aims to develop these skills highlighting the importance of effective communication and, the ability to work as part of a team.  

 As part of the module, you will identify potential career paths and professional development opportunities. You will reflect upon your own employability skills and, plan for their career pathways, in line with sector standards. 

Assessment: 

Portfolio (60% of module weighting)
Professional Discussion (40% of module weighting)