Subject Description

Mental health assessment is a dynamic and ongoing part of nursing role with vast potential to empower people we work with. While medical doctors often use assessment to develop an explanation for client’s presenting problems, nurses can use mental health assessment to focus on client perceptions and expectations related to their illness, hospitalisation, and care. This unit introduces a range of theories and strategies for exploring different approaches to mental health assessment and application of gathered information in clinical practice.

Students will critically analyse recovery-oriented mental health assessment and have the opportunity to analyse influences of cultural diversity, legal, ethical and professional implications of mental health assessment and documentation. Collaborating with clients, family and others in decision-making processes and taking a strengths-based approach towards mental health assessment is emphasised.