Fostering Complex Care In Mental Health

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Demonstrate an ability to critically analyse evidence relating to care coordination, using a strengths approach and the benefits of interprofessional and intra-agency working.
• Advocating and leading on ethical reasoning and clinical decision-making skills to navigate complex dilemmas in mental health nursing that support the service user and family perspectives.
• Debate strategies that may be used to support minimal restrictive practice with complex presentations in mental health settings.
• Evaluate the role of active citizenship in mental health nursing, demonstrating advocacy, policy awareness, and social responsibility in promoting mental health equity, supporting under-represented groups, and enhancing service user inclusion and engagement.
• Discuss and understand the role the mental health nurse plays in suicide prevention and how to support services and their families in a crisis or an acute episode of mental ill-health.

This module provides an in-depth exploration of contemporary issues and advanced skills required in mental health nursing, equipping students with the expertise needed for complex decision-making, ethical reasoning, and leadership in diverse mental health settings. Students will critically examine the evolving role of mental health nurses in advocating for service users and families, championing recovery-oriented care, and addressing systemic challenges such as restrictive practices, suicide prevention, complex trauma, and perinatal mental health. By engaging with evidence-based approaches and innovative interventions, students will develop the confidence to navigate the realities of modern mental health nursing, ensuring person-centered, trauma-informed, and ethically sound care in their practice. Ethical Decision-Making and Restrictive Practice A key focus of this module is developing the ability to make sound clinical decisions while upholding service user rights, autonomy, and dignity. Students will explore the complexities of ethical reasoning in mental health care, debating strategies to minimise restrictive practices, including those relevant to older adults. Emphasis will be placed on trauma-informed approaches that prioritise de-escalation, collaboration, and empowerment, reducing the need for coercion while fostering therapeutic relationships built on trust. Cultural sensitivity will be integrated throughout, ensuring that care is responsive to the diverse backgrounds, values, and beliefs of service users, while promoting respect and understanding in all interactions Suicide Prevention, Crisis Management, and Complex Trauma Students will critically analyse theoretical perspectives on suicide and self-harm while evaluating their role in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and postvention support for families. The module will also explore the impact of complex trauma—recognizing its long-term effects on emotional regulation, relationships, and well-being—and how trauma-informed care can guide mental health nurses in providing safe, compassionate, and effective interventions during crisis situations. Perinatal Mental Health and Family Support This module delves into perinatal mental health, examining common conditions such as perinatal depression, anxiety, psychosis, and PTSD. Students will assess risk factors, early intervention strategies, and the impact of mental illness on parents, infants, and families. Emphasis will be placed on trauma-informed, multidisciplinary approaches to perinatal mental health care, ensuring holistic and family-centred support. Care Coordination and Multi-Agency Working Students will explore the complexities of care coordination, engaging with strengths-based approaches and analysing the critical role of multi-agency collaboration in delivering effective mental health support. Through case studies and reflective discussions, they will develop an understanding of how to navigate service pathways, advocate for service users, and work across disciplines to create seamless, person-centred care plans. Active Citizenship and Mental Health Advocacy The role of mental health nurses extends beyond clinical practice to encompass advocacy, social justice, and tackling health inequalities. This module will explore the concept of active citizenship, encouraging students to reflect on their professional and societal responsibilities in driving positive change within mental health services and communities. Clinical Supervision and Reflective Practice To support their professional and personal development, students will engage in clinical supervision and reflective practice, strengthening their self-awareness, resilience, and adaptability. These practices will help students refine their professional identity, manage the emotional demands of mental health nursing, and continuously improve the quality of care they provide. By the end of this module, students will be equipped with the advanced knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead in mental health nursing, ensuring ethical, trauma-informed, and recovery-focused care for those they support.

This module will be taught using a variety of learning and teaching approaches including: • Lectures • Seminars/workshops • Guided independent study

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Group work

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback:
• Final Assessment:
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.