Course overview
The aim of this course is to advance the knowledge, skills and attitudes of health professionals to achieve evidence based best practice in assessing and supporting older people's mental health. Philosophies of relationship/person centred and compassionate care; values-based approach to health care; partnership approach to care; biological theories of ageing and implications for mental health; trauma informed and recovery focused care; de-escalation techniques; behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD); pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies in mental health practice; quality use of medicines; differentiating between normal age-related changes, complex and chronic mental health conditions and delirium; identifying vulnerable groups / adults; ageism and stigma; comprehensive mental health assessment; functional health assessment; mental health risk assessment; contemporary mental health assessment tools; mental state examination; mental health care coordination; the implications of place on the mental health outcomes of older people; codes, ethics, standards, guidelines, legislation and reform agendas in mental health practice; quality improvement and best practice in mental health care; health promotion; healthy ageing; clinical supervision models; strategies to promote resilience; the role of leadership in the support optimal mental health care.
Course learning outcomes
- Critically appraise and apply contemporary theories, principles and care frameworks to promote holistic evidence based mental health care of older people.
- Demonstrate an applied understanding of the ethical, legislative, regulatory and policy obligations of health professionals to support and promote the mental health care of older people.
- Conduct a comprehensive, evidence-based health assessment of an older person with a focus on mental health.
- Plan, implement and evaluate holistic, person-centred mental health care with a healthy ageing focus.
- Critically reflect on and challenge, own and the practice of others to lead and promote best practice in older people's mental health.