MH0511 - Theory Module 3: Psychosocial Approaches in Mental Health Nursing

What will I learn on this module?

This module will enable you to learn about the concepts and principles of psychosocial approaches as used within mental health nursing practice. You will be encouraged to critically explore contemporary theoretical perspectives and approaches, focussing upon the recovery model and principles. Consideration will be given to their application in meeting the individualised needs of the person receiving care and support, whilst also incorporating the needs and involvement of their family and /or carers.

Central to contemporary mental health nursing practice is the notion of recovery, you will debate themes and principles crucial to recovery-orientated practice, co-produced stories of health; collaborative partnership between professionals and the individual receiving care; and collaborative partnerships between other professionals and agencies. How such approaches impact on shared decision-making in relation to treatment options, assessment and co-construction of care plans will be a central theme of the module, as will a critical review of the current evidence of psychosocial approaches.

You will critically consider competing perspectives in relation to traditional models of care and more contemporary understandings using bio medical social constructs and reflecting on the relational influence with intervention and recovery. Utilising a strengths-based approach you will develop an understanding of humanistic inter-personal approaches to psychosocial interventions and on-going care. Exploring the nature of the helping relationship underpinned by a collaborative formulation approach to care you will be developing a broad ranging perspective of the person within the context of risk, resilience and their personal, social and environmental domains.

How will I learn on this module?

As a second-year student nurse you will be afforded the opportunity to proactively engage with your own professional development and that of others. At this stage you will be familiar with the range of learning and teaching strategies employed (online learning materials, seminars and workshops), which will enable you to take ownership of your academic journey within the developing concept curriculum. To explore complex nursing issues nested concepts will be utilised to facilitate depth of analysis through an enquiry-based learning approach.

You will continue to be engaged in a variety of learning and teaching approaches, delivered using a blend of web-based resources to support face-to-face workshops and seminars, underpinned by the ‘flipped classroom’ approach (Bergmand & Sams, 2012). Again, it is crucial that you engage with both the directed and self-directed study outside of the face-to-face sessions to ensure that you are fully prepared for all facilitated sessions.This is non-negotiable and sets the expectations of becoming an accountable and professional nurse.

The classroom sessions will include individual work, group discussion and debate where you will be encouraged to share learning, consider competing perspectives, work with Experts by Experience (EBE’s) and develop a greater understanding of the range of psychosocial approaches to helping people who are experiencing mental distress.

In addition, in this year of study, the directed activities you will complete within the ‘Study & Research Skills’ workbook, will focus more critically on different approaches to research and critiquing trustworthiness, validity and reliability as your research skills progress through the evolving concept curriculum.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported by a dedicated and highly motivated module team of mental health nursing lecturers with knowledge of the concepts and perspectives considered within the module. You will receive ongoing guidance and feedback to support you to engage with the module. Contact with the module team is available in person, via telephone, email and Blackboard Ultra.

You will be allocated a Personal Tutor, who will meet with you regularly and provide you with consistent pastoral support and access to academic guidance.

You will have access to the Blackboard Ultra, where you will find a range of learning materials, videos, workbooks and on-line supportive materials packages.

Support for your overall student experience is also offered via the 24-hour IT Helpline, Student Support and Wellbeing Services, Library Services and the Helpdesk. You will be encouraged to support one another within your group and to seek guidance from practice supervisors in relation to applying the key theoretical concepts within your placement.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

1- Demonstrate an understanding of a range of psychosocial interventions and the research and evidence that underpins these.

2- Demonstrate knowledge required to assess, formulate, treat and support people experiencing a range of social, psychological and biological adversities.

Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities:

3- Understand and apply the principles of assessment and formulation in choice and provision of psychosocial interventions to meet individual needs, practicing in accordance with policy and professional guidance.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

4. Develop and reflect upon professional and personal values to support service user recovery in the mental health care pathway.

5. Demonstrate the attitudes and values of truly collaborative care provision and recovery orientated practice.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment:
Working in small peer groups you will find a health related poster to analyse and develop ideas about the elements needed to make a good poster (MLO’s 1,3,4,5).


Summative Assessment:

Poster Presentation (1000 words). This will be electronic submission. No more than 1000 words to be used within poster and supporting notes. Electronic feedback will be provided.


You will explore a particular issue affecting someone experiencing mental distress.

Your poster will explore an evidence based psychosocial intervention used within mental health care and will include the evidence for it’s use, typical presentations it is used with, how it is delivered and the training/ supervision requirements of the nurse to deliver this intervention (MLO’s 1,2,3,4,5).

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

Psychosocial interventions/ approaches are an integral part of contemporary mental health nursing practice. This module is constructively aligned to follow on from previous mental health modules in which you explored competing understandings of the origins and understandings of distress. You will gain knowledge and skills of evidence based, psychosocially informed approaches which are a fundamental and essential component of the Registered Mental Health Nurses’ skill set. Gaining understanding of concepts of psychological interventions educational concepts and social constructs of care. Synthesising theory and practice to better understand the application of psychosocial interventions in practice. This develops competence and experience within the safe environment of the University, but also allows the student to take this new understanding and skill set out into practice placements to develop further confidence and competence.

Course info

UCAS Code B740

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 Years Full Time

Department Nursing, Midwifery & Health

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2024 or September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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