Leader: Ms L Andary

Offered

Clayton First semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit focuses on the essential clinical practice skills required for adequate performance as a clinician in a community mental health setting. The unit addresses psychiatric assessment, the use of a structured instrument (e.g. HONOS) and specific assessment issues that arise in different clinical scenarios. The unit also covers case management principles and practical issues in mental health delivery with an emphasis on some special focus areas. The unit also addresses the theoretical framework and management of schizophrenia and related disorders, affective disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders and personality disorders.

Objectives

1. Be able to understand and conduct an adequate assessment of a patient with a psychiatric syndrome.
2. Be familiar with the essential skills in using a structured instrument as an assessment tool eg, HoNOS
3. Be able to describe the principles and features of case management in mental health.
4. Be able to utilise the principles in clinical practice as demonstrated by experience.
5. Have developed sufficient knowledge about various psychiatric syndromes and their management to be utilised in clinical practice.
6. Be able to critically appraise the recent development relevant to this unit.

Assessment

Two written assignments of 2,500 words each and weighted at 50% each. Both must be passed to pass the unit.