Mental Health Disorders
6 Credits (ECTS)
Mental Health Disorders
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Module Description
This module focuses on the most commonly encountered mental health disorders and the essential nursing care required for patients with these conditions.
Students will learn about various mental health disorders, their symptoms, and effective nursing interventions.
Emphasis will be placed on understanding and applying Maltese legislation related to the mental health sector, ensuring students are knowledgeable about local legal requirements and standards.
This comprehensive approach prepares students to provide informed, compassionate, and legally compliant care to patients with mental health disorders.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course must possess one of the following:
- a qualification at minimum MQF Level 5 (or comparable as per MQRIC) in Nursing.
Students whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate English language capability at either:
- Academic IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent.
OR
- OET with a minimum of a ‘B’ grade in speaking and a minimum of ‘C+’ in writing, reading, and listening.
Target Audience
This course is targeted at:
- Non-EU trained nurses who are in possession of a minimum qualification at MQF Level 5 (or comparable as per MQRIC) in Nursing, seeking a bridging course to enable them to apply for registration with the Maltese Council of Nurses and Midwives as first level nurses.
Module / Unit Instructions
- This module uses a blended approach promoting the building of a community of practice via peer-to-peer learning.
- This module consists of lecturer-led sessions which include class lectures, online sessions, tutorials, discussions, presentations and workshop activities, fora and peer discussions promoting peer-to-peer learning, as well as simulation learning during which the students can work on an array of scenarios through role play.
- Online learning activities– synchronous and asynchronous sessions – may include active interaction led by the lecturer, participation, and contributions in fora discussions, sharing resources and self-reflection exercises. Learners also contribute to the building of the community of practice by providing feedback to their peers as critical friends, enhancing the learner’s critical engagement throughout the study period.
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
This module is assessed via 3 mandatory components:
- Formative Assessment
- Summative Assessment
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.
- Formulate and implement safe, effective, ethical, person-centred, holistic, evidence-based care and interventions for the psychiatric patient, including health promotion.
- Critically appraise the effectiveness of nursing care and treatment of patients with mental health needs and make adjustments to care as needed.
- Demonstrate effective communication with patients with mental health needs and with other professionals in the multi-disciplinary care team.
Knowledge:
By the end of this module the student will have been exposed to the following indicative content:
- The responsibilities of the nurse within the Mental Health Setting as established by ‘The Scope of Professional Practice’ of The Council for Nurses and Midwives, Malta (CNM).
- The legal and ethical considerations and practices in mental heath care: Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct for Nurses and Midwives, Council for Nurses and Midwives, Malta.
- The Mental Health Act. · Concepts of mental health and mental ill health.
- Principles of Basic Clinical Nursing Skills practices as applicable in a Mental Health Setting.
- Types of mental health disorders and the applicable nursing care.
- Identify the principles and models of effective communication.
- Safety measures to protect patients, staff and visitors in a mental health setting.
- Beliefs and cultural practices influencing mental health care.
- The stigma of mental illness and its potential effect on mentally ill people.
- The psychosocial needs of mentally ill people.
- Multidisciplinary teams and collaboration to promote mental wellbeing.
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 management skills in risk and/or a psychiatric emergency.
- Apply safety procedures in a mental health setting.
- Provide holistic care for patients with mental health issues.
- 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 care context.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate with patients in a mental health setting 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.