Delivering Safe Professional Care for People with a Learning Disability and/or Mental Health Disorder
14 Credits (ECTS)
Delivering Safe Professional Care for People with a Learning Disability and/or Mental Health Disorder
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€280 refund on this module
Module Description
This module will prepare students with the theory, knowledge, and practical experience needed to work effectively and professionally with adults and children with learning disabilities and/or mental health disorders.
Students will explore various approaches to care, treatment strategies, and support mechanisms tailored to these populations.
The module emphasizes the importance of understanding and applying Maltese legislation related to the sector, ensuring that students are well-versed in local legal requirements and standards of practice.
By combining theoretical insights with hands-on experience, students will be equipped to deliver compassionate, compliant, and high-quality care to individuals with learning disabilities and mental health challenges.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course will need to possess:
- Two A-levels, one of them preferably being in a science subject, or an equivalent qualification at MQF Level 4 (for example, a Level 4 Diploma in Applied Science).
- Either Biology or Chemistry or Health & Social Care at Intermediate level.
OR
- At least 1 of the following: Biology, Chemistry, or Health & Social Care at level 4 (advanced or intermediate)
- and at least 3 of the following: Physics, Sociology, Psychology, English, Maltese or Mathematics at level 4 (advanced or intermediate).
Applicants will also need to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in English language by a valid International English Language Testing System level at overall level 6 or Occupational English Test with B in speaking and C+ in writing or Matriculation and Secondary Education Certificate (MATSEC) pass at Grade 3 or better in English Language.
- Prior to commence the enrolling in any nursing programme, students should provide evidence of a clean conduct published by the respective police force or authority.
- In the case of those students who do not possess a Level 4 qualification, but who have a substantial amount of experience in the care industry and who possess O-level standard education, ca n be accepted into this Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing Science, on the condition that they undergo and acquire a pass in a Level 4 preparatory programme offered by IDEA College.
Furthermore, these students shall also undergo a RPL process in order to verify their work experience. Link to RPL Policy and Process: https://mt.ideaeducation.com/app/uploads/2022/09/Doc_007_22-Recognition-of-Prior-Learning-Policy-and-Process.pdf
Target Audience
This programme targets:
- Students who have completed their post-secondary education and would like to pursue a tertiary-level education in nursing.
- Older adults who have worked in different environments, but mostly in the care industry, who are interested in pursuing a programme in nursing.
- Individuals who are qualified in areas related to healthcare such as podiatry and physiotherapy and who are looking for or considering a career change in nursing.
Module / Unit Instructions
Clinical placement learning under the guidance of a mentor empowers the nurse to accept and exercise responsibility and accountability for independent learning, personal growth, and self-awareness and to demonstrate the competence required to be able to apply for a first level nurse.
A variety of teaching and learning strategies are used to facilitate building the student nurses’ development over time which may include:
- Supervised clinical nursing practice providing experiential learning and enabling the student nurse to achieve and demonstrate competence.
- Reflective discussions during supervised practice that facilitate critical awareness and reflective practice.
- Problem solving techniques which will enable the student nurse to assess and manage work in conjunction with peers.
How you’ll be assessed
This module comprises of:
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment of this module consists of three components:
- Formative development of clinical competencies.
- Summative Portfolio of evidence linked to skills development.
- Summative achievement of placement specific clinical competencies.
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Critically analyse and apply the principles of patient assessment based on advanced knowledge of nursing patients with mental health needs.
- Differentiate the underlying biopsychosocial spiritual connections affecting mental health and the clinical manifestations of psychiatric conditions.
- Appraise the evidence underpinning common learning disabilities and how they affect the life experiences of children and adults.
- Formulate and implement safe, effective, ethical, patient-centred, holistic, and evidence-based care and interventions for people with learning disabilities and mental health conditions, including health promotion.
- Demonstrate effective communication with people with learning disabilities and/or mental health needs and with other professionals in a multi-disciplinary care team.
Knowledge:
By the end of this module the student will have been exposed to the following indicative content:
- Critically analyse and apply the principles of patient assessment based on advanced knowledge of nursing patients with mental health needs.
- Differentiate the underlying biopsychosocial spiritual connections affecting mental health and the clinical manifestations of psychiatric conditions.
- Appraise the evidence underpinning common learning disabilities and how they affect the life experiences of children and adults.
- Formulate and implement safe, effective, ethical, patient-centred, holistic, and evidence-based care and interventions for people with learning disabilities and mental health conditions, including health promotion.
- Demonstrate effective communication with people with learning disabilities and/or mental health needs and with other professionals in a multi-disciplinary care team.
Skills:
By the end of this module, the students will be able to:
- Develop a positive rehabilitative attitude thus facilitating re-integration into the community of people with mental health issues, according to the ethical and legal framework of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct for Nurses and Midwives, Council for Nurses and Midwives, Malta.
- Use appropriate risk management and communication skills to de-escalate violent and aggressive behaviour.
- Provide holistic care for people with learning disabilities and/or mental health conditions.
- Ensure patient compliance to treatment taking into consideration the effects of stigma upon patient care.
- Educate patients upon various aspects of their mental health condition and promote wellbeing, social inclusion, and independence.
- Analyse the benefits and implications of therapeutic practices in mental health care.
- Recognise the differences in beliefs and cultural practices in mental health care practices.
- Evaluate best practices in nursing care in a mental health and learning disabilities context.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate with people with learning disabilities and/or mental health conditions and to communicate with other professionals in the multi-disciplinary team.
Module-Specific Learner Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to
- Present own discussion and developments in a logical and organised manner through approaches of critical feedback and self-reflection.
- Engage with peers and/or team members to share and reflect on own development.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences:
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials, etc.