Integrating Physical Health and Pharmacology in Mental Health Nursing (MSc)

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Critically evaluate the pathological and aetiological factors that underpin common physical health conditions, with a particular focus on individuals with mental health disorders, and explore how these factors interact to influence overall health outcomes.
• Analyse the pathophysiological processes of conditions and diseases relevant to mental health nursing, critically examining how these processes underpin the most common physical health presentations in individuals with mental health conditions.
• Systematically apply pharmacological principles to the selection, administration, and monitoring of medications used in mental health nursing, considering the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of relevant drugs, as well as their implications for patient care.
• Assess the impact of genetic factors on both physical and mental health across the life course, with a particular focus on the interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental factors in the development of mental and physical health conditions.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the role of the mental health nurse in conducting physical health assessments and managing deteriorating patients, incorporating advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making to ensure optimal care.

This module introduces students to the essential biosciences underpinning physical health in mental health nursing. Students will explore the pathological and aetiological factors contributing to common physical health conditions that frequently co-exist with mental illness. By understanding key pathophysiological processes, students will develop the ability to assess and respond to the physical health needs of individuals with mental health conditions, including those at risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, sleep and epilepsy. A strong emphasis will be placed on the holistic approach required to support individuals whose mental illness may impact their ability to manage their physical health effectively. Students will gain insight into the role of genetics in shaping both physical and mental health across the life course. This includes understanding genetic predispositions to conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, neurodevelopmental disorders, and epilepsy, as well as their links to physical health risks. The module will also introduce fundamental pharmacological principles, equipping students with the knowledge needed to understand how medications used in mental health nursing work, their mechanisms of action, and potential side effects. Students will learn about drug interactions, adverse reactions, and the importance of individualized medication management to optimize patient care. A core focus of the module is the role of the mental health nurse in physical health assessment and recognizing signs of patient deterioration. Students will develop the skills to perform physical health checks, interpret findings, and take appropriate action when service users present with acute physical health concerns, including seizures and other neurological emergencies. A key area of emphasis is the importance of feedback of any physical health checks and the inclusion of family and carers wherever possible. This will also include supporting individuals with a learning disability under the provision of mental health services.

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.

Formative self-marked practice exam

• 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.