The 20 credit module, Medication Management in Mental Health Practice, will be taught using a mixture of approaches which include; problem-centred learning, seminars, lectures, discussions and case analysis, self directed learning, learning in practice.

On successful completion of this level 6 (undergraduate level) module, you will achieve the following learning outcomes:

• develop critical awareness of working with user and carer perspectives about the use of medication

• demonstrate detailed knowledge of basic clinical psychopharmacology

• evaluate critically legal and ethical issues that underpin the principles and practice of medication management

• assess for complex symptomology and the inter-relationship of medication with users' lifestyles

• critically analyse and implement evidence-based approaches to promoting concordance with medication in complex cases

• critically appraise and apply risk management strategies to medication management, including the assessment and management of side effects

• evaluate the practice of educational information to users and carers to ensure informed consent and safe practice

• demonstrate enhanced awareness of the intentional use of the self in practice with users, carers and other workers

Careers / Further study

This level 6 (undergraduate level) module can contribute towards:

• BSc(Hons) Health and Social Care
• PG Cert Health & Social Care 
• MSc Advanced Practice
• Professional Development Award

Please note: Priority will be given to applications received through our funded educational contracts.  Places on this module will be limited for applications received outside of this funding.  Please check with your employer as a funded contract place may still be available to support your learning.

Extra information

If the course you are applying for is fully online or blended learning, please note that you are expected to provide your own headsets/microphones.

For further information

Email: pd@uwe.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 81158

Content

The module syllabus typically includes:

Psychopharmacology

Pharmacology including pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics; Anatomy and physiology as applied to prescribing practice; Basic principles of drugs to be prescribed absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion including adverse drug reactions (ADR), interactions and reactions, including illicit medication.

Legal and Ethical Issues

Mental Health Act (1983); Legal basis, liability and indemnity; Legal implications of advice to self-medicate including the use of complementary therapy and over the counter (OTC) medicines; Safe keeping of prescription pads, action if lost, writing prescriptions and record keeping.

Users, carers, concordance, education and information

Working with users and carers; attitudes towards medication; interaction with other treatments, e.g. psychotherapy educational approaches, media and information; factors affecting concordance, including  cognitive understanding, memory, attention and motivation; access to support; involvement of and with carers.

Assessment and Risk Management

Use of assessment scales in serious mental illness; symptomology; use of medication in crises;  side  effects; self-monitoring; use of side effects assessment scales; relapse prevention and management.

Self-Awareness

The concept of the self: thoughts, feelings and behaviour; the social self; use of supervision and reflection as a process of development of self-awareness.

Assessment

Assessment for this module comprises a 4,000 word critical incident analysis of a user's medication management.