(June, 2006)
The Trust entered into a contract with the Changing Minds Centre for Education and Development at the University of Northampton on 18th May 2006 to fund the start-up costs of a Nurse Training Package. The value of the contract is just under £20,000.
The package will be designed to be both ‘persuasive’ and ‘accessible’. Persuasive because the training is staged: At step off point 1, following about 50 hours of learning, nurses will receive a Certificate in Mental Health Wellbeing. A further 50 hours and an assignment will complete Stage 2, and a further 100 hours and another assignment will complete Stage 3, which will lead to accreditation through the University. It is hoped that the step-off points will both encourage nurses to start the training and enable those who want to carry on. Accessibility is achieved by combining e-learning using the University of Northampton’s learning environment, distance learning materials in the form of workbooks and electronic media and some direct contact with course participants.
At step off point 1, nurses will have developed the skills and knowledge to work more effectively on the development of a wellbeing strategy with Primary Care mental health. The content will include promoting mental health, the demography of common mental health disorders, causal factors, the role of wellbeing and recovery and health education.
At step off point 2, participants will have explored the skills and tools associated with high quality assessment of common mental health problems. At this level the participants should be able to illustrate how the increase in their knowledge and skills have complemented and enhanced their practice. This stage includes a case study at diploma level. The content will cover the definition of common mental health problems and diagnostic and clinical assessment both theory and practice.
At step off point 3, participants will be required not only to develop the skills for managing common mental health problems but also to analyse treatment modalities. The emphasis at this stage of the course will be around cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approaches and skills. Participants will be asked to complete an assignment at degree level which describes and analyses the clinical utilisation of CBT in Primary Care. The content includes medication management, treatment approaches, group approaches, anxiety management and care pathways.
A Steering Group, including a CWMT representative, will oversee this work. An independent mental health trainer will be a member of the Group to encourage objectivity. The intention is to launch this training in January 2007.
(February, 2007)
Since reporting the start of this project, significant progress has been made but the launch date has slipped to April 2007.
At present the course is likely to consist of 20 modules covering about 51 competencies. The style of delivery will vary module by module but will involve a CD-rom learning tool, on-line web links, peer support and reading materials. The three-step proposals have been simplified so that all 20 modules will be completed but without assignments at what were Step-Off Points 2 and 3. We hope that this change will encourage participation and reduce the amount of time needed to complete the course.
Steering Group meetings have been held on 8th September, 2006, 24th November, 2006 and 21st January, 2007.
(July 2007)
The programme has been written and has been accredited by the University of Northampton under the APEL system whereby satisfactory completion of the course, including a 'reflective essay' of about 2,500 words, earns points towards a first or master's degree, depending on the participant's initial qualifications. The course CD Rom is awaiting the completion of peer review before being produced.
Promotion of the course started in April 2007 with the first cohort due to start in September 2007.
(October, 2007)
As at 28 August 2007, 20 nurses had registered for the course. We will keep you in touch with progress.
(January, 2008)
Nurse Training. The first cohort of 20 started training in mid October 2007. Initial feedback is both enthusiastic and helpful in that the course content is being amended to include material on 'Sleep' and more on CBT as requested by participants.
A bespoke course for 15 prison service officers started on 19th December 2007 and recruitment for the Second Cohort due to start on 2nd May 2008 has started.
(July 2008)
The course is now called Mental Health and Wellbeing although it is still structured for nurses . The first cohort has finished training and the second started on 12 May 2008. The bespoke course for Prison Officers is progressing well and more may be requested. Articles on the course are due to be published in Primary Care Mental Health and in The Nursing Times.
