Mental Health

Aim

By the end of the 3 week placement the students will be able to obtain and record a psychiatric history, conduct and record a mental status examination, and make a tentative diagnosis within the major categories of mental health disorders. The student will be able to diagnose and treat psychiatric conditions common to acute and primary care and will be able to respond appropriately to psychiatric emergencies. The student may have some areas of weakness but will, overall, be safe.  

Objectives

History Taking and Consultation Skills

The student will be able to obtain a mental health history, including a general medical history, sufficient to be able to diagnose and treat (and risk assess/refer) a patient with a psychiatric problem.

 

Physical Examination

In addition to a general physical examination the student will be able to perform an effective mental status examination using the appropriate format/structure common to Mental Health.

 

Clinical Judgement in Diagnosis and Management

The student will use laboratory and diagnostic studies and common screening instruments appropriately to support or modify tentative diagnostic impressions.

 

Therapeutics and Prescribing

Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of pharmacologic therapy, the indications, contraindications, major side-effects/adverse reactions and correct dosing schedules for medications commonly used in mental health care.

 

Clinical Planning and Procedures

The student will analyse information obtained from the history, physical examination, laboratory tests and other diagnostic procedures to formulate a comprehensive, prioritised differential diagnosis, using the ICD or DSM classification systems, to accurately determine or modify the diagnosis, formulate appropriate treatment plan and to refer on as appropriate and to record clinical information systematically, clearly, and thoroughly.

 

The following conditions, taken from the Matrix specification of Core Clinical Conditions for the qualified Physician Associate, are included here as guidance to the type of conditions and the level of competence that may be expected. It is NOT an agenda to be covered comprehensively.

Conditions covered in placement 

Below is an extensive but not exhaustive list of conditions that PA students are encouraged to see by the end of their 3 week rotation in Mental Health. Once qualified, PAs are expected to diagnose a patient on initial presentation with these conditions and will not usually require further referral.





PA student should have an understanding of the following conditions but may not have the knowledge or resources to confirm the diagnosis or to manage the conditions safely:




                                



                                                                                     

                                                 

Personality Disorders