Leader: Ms F Andrews

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

The unit will examine the theory and practice of mental health service delivery in primary health care. It will consider the skills and knowledge required to improve the delivery of mental health services in primary care environments. Strategies for service planning, including needs analysis, project management and service evaluation will be explored. The impact on service provision of organisational and professional cultures and boundaries will be examined along with philosophies that shape service delivery within primary care. Service delivery models and clinical models of preventation, early intervention and health promotion will be explored. Effective client intervention strategies of counselling, motivational interviewing, behavioural intervention and problem solving will also be addressed.
Contents includes:
An overview of the mental health service system
National and international trends in primary care
The concepts of early intervention, prevention, health promotion
Understanding partnership: cultures, cooperation and service boundaries
Service planning - needs analysis and program development, program implementation and evaluation
Special needs clients
Intervention strategies - Motivational interviewing, problem solving techniques, behavioural interventions

Objectives

At the completion of this unit, students will have:

1. Developed their awareness of current philosophies and the policies driving mental health practice in primary care;
2. An understanding of the concepts of prevention, early intervention and health promotion in mental health;
3. Developed an understanding of the key function and skills required of primary mental health practioners;
4. An appreciation of the roles of the key stakeholders in primary care; and
5. An awareness of the evidence supporting the intervention strategies relevant to primary mental health service delivery.

Assessment

Two written assignments of 2,000-3,000 words, weighted as 40% and 60% respectively. Both must be passed to pass the unit.