This unit focusses on the physical health assessment and care of service users within mental health care.

Three key areas are covered: Physical health assessment; Assessment and management of common physical disorders seen in mental health care and health promotion. The unit will be delivered through a combination of  classroom seminars and practical sessions in the simulation suite.

Successful completion of this unit will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to address the physical health needs of service users in mental health settings.

This course requires 100% attendance.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this unit the student is expected to: 

1. Critically evaluate ways in which the physical health of clients will be recognised, assessed and monitored. 

2. Analyse approaches to the promotion of physical health in mental health settings 

3. Identify and explicitly define the key presenting features of a range of common physical illnesses 

4. Critically explore the physical care skills required in mental health services

5. Devise a teaching strategy to inform colleagues of the importance of recognising physical health problems in mental health care

Assessment

ILOs 1 - 5 will be assessed by students critically analysing the assessment and care of a client by use of a case study and devise a teaching strategy discussing the delivery of material to colleagues (3,500 word equivalent).