Appraising the concepts of community mental health services in the baccalaureate curriculum at the Aga Khan University school of nursing and midwifery, Karachi, Pakistan
Location
Auditorium Pond Side
Start Date
26-2-2014 10:30 AM
Abstract
The concept of an integrated holistic care is the core of community mental health nursing. However, the notion of integrated care has not been appreciated both in medical and nursing education ultimately resulting in a generalized symptomatic care practice. Therefore, there is a dire need to reconstruct the curriculum philosophy and teaching learning strategies in order to fill those gaps. Methods: Expanding along the same vision, nursing educators from a private university teaching hospital pioneered in utilizing integrated care philosophy to their students on a community mental health rotation. The team utilized the concepts of mental health promotion and prevention rather than focusing on the symptomatic management while dealing with mentally ill patients/clients/families. The settings included schools, corporate sector, differently-able children, rehabilitation centers, substance abuse rehabilitation centers and senior citizen homes. Results: The student nurses were allowed to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team involving nurses, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, social workers, and psychologists with individuals, families and community. Educators supervised the student utilizing the psychosocial therapies; included family counseling, group sessions, self reflections, anger and stress management techniques, relaxation exercises, improving socialization and vocation based activities were used at these centers. The interventions varied as per the need among various age groups. These interventions assisted the individuals and groups in promoting their mental health by enhancing their positive attitude, self confidence, improving their problem solving and decision making abilities and satisfaction in their future life goals. Conclusions: Student Nurses on Community Mental health rotations appreciated the new directions in care perspectives and were hopeful to continue the same in future. However, lack of acceptability and awareness
Keywords: community mental health, rehabilitation, nursing curriculum, integrated care
Appraising the concepts of community mental health services in the baccalaureate curriculum at the Aga Khan University school of nursing and midwifery, Karachi, Pakistan
Auditorium Pond Side
The concept of an integrated holistic care is the core of community mental health nursing. However, the notion of integrated care has not been appreciated both in medical and nursing education ultimately resulting in a generalized symptomatic care practice. Therefore, there is a dire need to reconstruct the curriculum philosophy and teaching learning strategies in order to fill those gaps. Methods: Expanding along the same vision, nursing educators from a private university teaching hospital pioneered in utilizing integrated care philosophy to their students on a community mental health rotation. The team utilized the concepts of mental health promotion and prevention rather than focusing on the symptomatic management while dealing with mentally ill patients/clients/families. The settings included schools, corporate sector, differently-able children, rehabilitation centers, substance abuse rehabilitation centers and senior citizen homes. Results: The student nurses were allowed to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team involving nurses, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, social workers, and psychologists with individuals, families and community. Educators supervised the student utilizing the psychosocial therapies; included family counseling, group sessions, self reflections, anger and stress management techniques, relaxation exercises, improving socialization and vocation based activities were used at these centers. The interventions varied as per the need among various age groups. These interventions assisted the individuals and groups in promoting their mental health by enhancing their positive attitude, self confidence, improving their problem solving and decision making abilities and satisfaction in their future life goals. Conclusions: Student Nurses on Community Mental health rotations appreciated the new directions in care perspectives and were hopeful to continue the same in future. However, lack of acceptability and awareness
Keywords: community mental health, rehabilitation, nursing curriculum, integrated care