Introduction to Mental Health and Cognitive Disorders

Curriculum guideline

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Course
HCSW 1140
Discontinued
No
Course code
HCSW 1140
Descriptive
Introduction to Mental Health and Cognitive Disorders
Department
Douglas
Faculty
Douglas
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
201330
PLAR
Yes
Semester length
6
Max class size
35
Contact hours
60 hrs per semester
Learning activities

1.             Classroom lecture/discussion

2.             Role playing/group work

3.             Guest speakers

4.             Audio-visual materials

5.             Computer resources

Course description
This course builds upon the content of the Interpersonal Communications for Health Care Support Workers and Concept: Health and Healing courses and helps the learner to explore the concepts and approaches involved in assisting individual experiencing changes in mental functioning and mental illness.
Course content

1.             Concepts of mental disorders

  • Basic concepts
  • Mental health theories
  • Mental health treatment modalities

 

2.             Changes in mental functioning

  • Irreversible changes in mental functioning
  • Reversible changes in mental functioning
  • Common disease processes contributing to changes in mental functioning
  • Mental illness in the older adults
  • Persons with multiple disabilities

 

3.             Responses in individuals experiencing changes in mental functioning

  • Individuality and diversity
  • Stress and illness
  • Environmental effects on behaviour
  • Loss

 

4.             Concepts of Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR)

  • Recovery in mental health: Philosophy, mission, and core values of PSR
  • Principles and domains of PSR

 

5.             Problem-Solving and Safe Practice

  • Promotion of dignity, self-worth, and integrity
  • Effective strategies and approaches to care
  • Non-threatening environment
  • Safety,  comfort, and security
Learning outcomes

This course is based on the competencies of the Provincial Curriculum Guide for Home Support/Resident Care Attendant Program, 1992.

1.     Demonstrate a basic understanding and knowledge of mental disorders, use current and relevant theory to understand common mental health issues, and understand various mental health treatment modalities.

2.     Describe the relationship between observable behaviours of the individual and changes in mental functioning.

3.     Assess the effects of aging, loss, stress, and illness in relation to the care of individuals experiencing changes in mental functioning.

4.     Demonstrate a basic understanding of the concepts, principles, and domains of Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) within the Recovery model.

5.     Utilize a problem-solving approach to plan and implement care that is based on the principles of safe practice and effective communication strategies to maintain appropriate levels of independence, dignity, and worth of the individual.

Means of assessment

Course evaluation is consistent with Douglas College course evaluation policy.

 

This is a graded course, and minimum requirement for successful completion of the course if 65%. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course.

Textbook materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students

1.             A list of reading materials is provided to the students at the beginning of the semester.

Prerequisites

HCSW 1100 + HCSW 1110 + HCSW 1120 + HCSW 1130

Corequisites

HCSW 1150

Which prerequisite

HCSW 1160 + HCSW 1170 + HCSW 1180 + HCSW 1190 + HCSW 1200