Overview

This module advances community mental health nursing skills, focusing on evidence-based, person-centred care and the collaborative role of nurses in prevention, early intervention, and service design. You will explore how to integrate service users, families, and community stakeholders into the development and evaluation of mental health services. By synthesizing theory and evidence to develop care strategies, evaluate policies, and assess the impact on individuals, families, and communities, you will develop strategies for care that reflect the needs, preferences, and lived experiences of those you serve. This module emphasises a participatory approach in which service users are co-designers of the care they receive, with a focus on community engagement, empowerment, and holistic well-being.

Theoretical Foundations & Frameworks in Community Mental Health Nursing, e.g Biopsychosocial, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented approaches.
Co-production and community engagement in service design / delivery Person-Centred & Culturally Competent Care, Evidence-Based Interventions & Innovations e.g NICE guidelines, psychosocial interventions, lifespan considerations. Family & Community Engagement; Systemic approaches, safeguarding, supporting carers, managing complex conditions. Clinical decision-making, interprofessional collaboration, and ethical/legal considerations. Policy, Service Evaluation & Quality Improvement Recovery, Rehabilitation & Holistic Care Roles & Responsibilities of Community Mental Health Nurses Health Promotion & Prevention Across the Lifespan

Assessment Strategy

Assessment Grading Criteria The following grading thresholds outline the expectations for academic performance and professional capability in relation to the role of the Specialist Practitioner. These criteria are aligned with the module learning outcomes, the standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and the academic regulations of the University, which expect students to demonstrate progression in critical thinking, academic integrity, and reflective, evidence-informed practice. Assessment outcomes are benchmarked against university-wide marking criteria to ensure consistency, fairness, and academic rigour.

Excellent Pass (A-) An excellent pass is awarded for work of outstanding academic quality. This includes: A comprehensive and critical understanding of the subject area. Independent thinking, originality, and depth in analysis and argumentation. Sophisticated use of evidence and effective synthesis of information to support practice. Work that is logically reasoned, clearly structured, and reflects a high standard of academic scholarship. Advanced critical thinking and reflective capacity, demonstrating strong engagement with the topic.

Good Pass (B-) A good pass reflects a consistent and competent level of academic performance. Students at this level demonstrate: A sound understanding of core concepts and frameworks. Evidence of critical analysis and the ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application. Thoughtful reflection on aspects of leadership, coproduction, and healthcare improvement. A logical and clear academic structure, with appropriate use of supporting evidence. Compliance with the academic expectations for postgraduate study, including critical engagement and clarity of expression.

Threshold (Pass – C-) To achieve a pass, students must attain a minimum grade of C-. This grade demonstrates that the student has: Met the essential module requirements. Engaged with core content at a foundational level, with limited but appropriate application of relevant knowledge to practice. Demonstrated a basic ability to reflect on key areas such as nursing leadership and quality improvement. Identified relevant evidence, though analysis and synthesis may be limited. Met expectations for academic integrity, presentation, and adherence to academic conventions such as referencing and structure.

This reflects the university’s highest expectations for postgraduate academic achievement, including intellectual originality, advanced critical thinking, and clear synthesis of knowledge into professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate the role of community mental health nurses to deliver evidence-based health prevention and early intervention to promote well-being across the lifespan.

• Exemplify the ability and skills required to synthesise theory and evidence to develop person-centred strategies to provide enhanced outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.

• Synthesise knowledge, skills, and professional attributes to apply and evaluate evidence-based, person-centred care strategies and appraise the effectiveness of policies and legislation aimed at enhancing outcomes for individuals, families, and communities who access community mental health services.