Overview
Perceptions of mental health and the nature of service provision have undergone radical reform over the previous ten years that commenced with the National Service Framework for Mental Health (DOH, 1999). This rolling programme of change has reached its natural conclusion and we are on the threshold of a new period of transformation. ‘New Horizons’ (DOH, 2009) is a cross government programme that seeks to improve to improve the full spectrum of mental wellbeing from birth through to older age. This vision places an emphasis on a move away from the dominance of the medical model to a more integrated approach. It also calls for a genuine transfer in the balance of power to individuals, their families and carers, placing utmost importance on self determination and community action.
The concept of recovery as applied to those experiencing long term mental health conditions is not easily defined and there has been a move from professionally oriented definitions to what it means for each individual. There is however, some consensus that it is not about complete recovery as in the absence of symptoms but about realising one’s full potential, hopes and aspirations in the face of the experience of mental health difficulties. ‘New Horizons’ is leading some important initiatives including strategies to support individuals back into employment and to tackle stigma in the workplace.
This module aims to develop positive, sensitive practitioners able to act as agents of change in order to translate this vision into a reality. This will be achieved through building knowledge, skills and expertise relevant to recovery focused practice. The contributions and narratives of service user experiences will be vital to achieving this process.
Content and Modules
Level 6 (Undergradate)
Pre-requisites: Students must beRegistered Nurses, Social Care Practitioners or Allied Health Professionals
Excluded Combinations: This module cannot be studied again at a different academic level.
Aims
This module aims to:
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Translate the key concepts and philosophy of recovery into values based practice that respects the diversity of service users.
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Develop key skills in navigating aspects of social care critical to individual recovery journeys.
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Develop competence in specific therapeutic interventions that harness the strengths of service users and promote skills in self management.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the module students will be able to:
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Critically examine current policy, clinical guidelines, research evidence and theoretical models that inform and underpin practice.
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Apply key principles of recovery philosophy in terms harnessing hope, identifying strengths and empowering individuals to all aspects of practice.
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Critically explore the practitioner’s role in promoting engagement with individuals and develop strategies to overcome barriers to engagement.
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Work in partnership with multi disciplinary colleagues in order to deliver key requirements of the Personalisation agenda to support social inclusion and recovery.
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Critically analyse evidence based interventions that enhance understanding of the recovery process and support service users to develop skills of self management.
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Collaborate effectively with service users, carers and a range of agencies advocating a creative approach to care and positive risk taking.
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Critically reflect on one’s own practice, seek supervision and identify future learning needs
Summative Assessment
Assignment (100% weighting)
Utilising practice focused experience, undertake a critical analysis of recovery focused care. The focus of the assignment should be negotiated with the module leader and may utilise one of the following formats:
These areas should be explored in terms of their compatibility with recovery focused principles. The assignment should identify proposals for change and enhancing practice. Word count: 4000 words.
Level 7 (Postgraduate)
Pre-requisites: Registered Nurses, Social Care Practitioners, and Allied Health Professionals
Excluded Combinations: Previous study of this module at level 6
Aims
This module aims to:
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Translate the key concepts and philosophy of recovery into values based practice that respects the diversity of service users.
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Develop high level skills in navigating aspects of social care critical to individual recovery journeys.
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Develop autonomy in the application of specific therapeutic interventions that harness the strengths of service users and promote skills in self management.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the module students will be able to:
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Synthesise current policy, clinical guidelines, research evidence and theoretical models that inform and underpin excellence in practice.
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Effectively convey and apply key principles of recovery philosophy in terms harnessing hope, identifying strengths and empowering individuals to all aspects of practice.
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Critically analyse and discuss the practitioner’s role in promoting engagement with individuals and develop creative strategies to overcome barriers to engagement.
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Practice autonomously and in partnership with multi disciplinary colleagues in order to deliver key requirements of the Personalisation agenda to support social inclusion and recovery.
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Critically analyse, implement, and evaluate evidence based interventions that enhance understanding of the recovery process and empower service users to develop skills of self management.
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Collaborate effectively with service users, carers and a range of agencies demonstrating high level decision making and reasoning skills advocating a creative approach to care and positive risk taking.
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Engage in deep reflection, pertinent self evaluation and seek supervision in order to develop as an autonomous practitioner.
Summative Assessment
Assignment (100% weighting)
Utilising practice focused experience, undertake a critical exploration and evaluation of recovery focused care. The focus of the assignment should be negotiated with the module leader and may utilise one of the following formats:
These areas should be explored in terms of their compatibility with recovery focused principles. The assignment should identify proposals for change and enhancing practice. Word count: 3500 words.