Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit provides the opportunity for the student to develop fundamental knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant to the restoration and maintenance of optimal mental health. Students will be expected to assess people with mental health problems and to identify, prioritize and implement appropriate evidence based interventions. The guiding principles of the National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce including: rights, responsibilities, safety and privacy, consumer and carer participation, awareness of diversity, early detection and intervention, ethical practice and professional responsibilities underpin the unit contents. Topics covered in this unit include: the mental health workforce, mental health and illness, psychiatric assessment, legal and ethical care, psychotropic medications, the mental health system, the consumer and carer movement, acute psychosis, mood disorders, peri-natal mental disorders, personality disorders and anxiety disorders.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. discuss the concepts of mental health and mental illness with reference to historical and contemporary classification systems;
2. demonstrate a knowledge of the Mental Health Act;
3. conduct a mental status assessment and a risk assessment;
4. describe the roles and functions of the members of the mental health workforce;
5. describe the aetiological factors, epidemiology and clinical manifestations of a range of mental disorders including anxiety disorders, personality disorders, , mood disorders psychotic disorders and perinatal mental disorders;
6. apply the knowledge of these factors in the care of clients and families of clients with mental health problems;
7. demonstrate a knowledge of a range of psychotherapeutic interventions;
8. discuss ethical issues which pertain to mental health care;
9. communicate effectively with people who are experiencing disturbances of thoughts, feelings and behaviour; and
10. demonstrate cultural sensitivity and safety in mental health practice.

Assessment

+ Written assignment: 25%
+ Worksheets: 15%
+ Formal examination: 60%
+ Clinical Assessment: Pass/fail
+ 100% attendance mandatory .
Students must attend 100% of all scheduled laboratories - refer to school clinical guidelines for details.

Chief examiner(s)

Mrs Sue Henderson

Contact hours

4 hours per week plus 80 hours clinical

Prerequisites

NUR1101, NUR1102