Parity of Esteem: Bridging Physical and Emotional Care

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Synthesise key data sources and research findings to develop evidence-based recommendations for improving the interface of physical and mental health care provision, including those with a learning disability or people with autism.
• Construct a plan, facilitate, and evaluate therapeutic (psycho education) groups by applying evidence-based approaches around improving the parity of esteem, fostering a safe and inclusive environment, and utilising effective communication and group management skills to support the psychological well-being and recovery of participants and their families.
• Critically analyse how working with family, carers and support networks can impact on care and treatment for older persons.
• Applying a range of therapeutic interventions and approaches in supporting the psychological impact of a range of physical health presentations across the lifespan for the patient and their families.
• Critically evaluate the concept of 'Parity of Esteem' in mental health nursing by analysing inequalities between physical and mental healthcare and proposing strategies for integrated service delivery.

The module introduces students to the Parity of Esteem agenda, which advocates for equal consideration of physical and mental health. Students will analyse the inequalities between physical and mental healthcare and explore strategies for improving service delivery. Emphasis will be placed on the implications of integrating mental and physical health care in clinical settings such as primary care and A&E liaison, highlighting the role of the mental health nurse in these environments. Students will focus on synthesising key data sources and research findings to inform the integration of physical and mental health services. The ability to develop evidence-based recommendations will be a key skill, with a particular focus on supporting individuals with learning disabilities and autism. This section aims to deepen students’ understanding of the practical application of research and evidence in bridging the gap between mental and physical health care. This module also examines evidence-based therapeutic interventions designed to address the psychological impact of physical health conditions. Students will explore how therapeutic techniques can benefit individuals across the lifespan, especially when dealing with co-occurring physical and mental health needs. Family and carer support will also be integrated into these interventions, highlighting the mental health nurse's role in promoting holistic care. In addition, students will explore policy and commissioning frameworks related to mental health and physical health. They will learn about health promotion strategies that focus on supporting individuals living with serious mental illness, for example: addiction, sexual health, dental care, and cancer care as possible examples. This topic also examines the intersectional health issues that affect people with serious mental illness and the role nurses play in addressing these challenges. Given the growing ageing population, this module will focus on understanding the significant mental health challenges faced by older adults. Students will explore psycho-social interventions tailored to the elderly and examine the role of mental health nurses in supporting both individuals and their families. The topic will also address issues such as carer burden, grief, and how nurses can support caregivers in their role. Finally, students will explore the skills needed to plan, facilitate, and evaluate therapeutic psycho-educational groups in mental health nursing. They will learn how to create safe, inclusive environments for group therapy and develop effective communication and group management skills. This section will focus on using psycho-education as a means of improving parity of esteem and supporting the psychological well-being and recovery of both patients and their families.

This module will be taught using a variety of learning and teaching approaches including: • Lectures • Seminars/workshops • Guided independent study

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Peer review

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback:
• Final Assessment:
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.