Overview

This module prepares post-registration nurses to take a leadership role in managing complex community mental health needs. It focuses on multi-agency collaboration, ethical decision-making, and the integration of service user and stakeholder engagement in care. You will develop evidence-based assessments and person-centred care plans while addressing complex mental health presentations. By involving service users and their families in decision-making, this module empowers you to navigate systemic challenges, innovate in care delivery, and improve outcomes. You will gain advanced skills in leadership multi-agency coordination, and evidence-based care, all while ensuring the active participation of service users in the co-production of their care.

Balancing risk, autonomy, safeguarding, and ethical dilemmas in community care. (LO 1) Nurses’ leadership in MDTs and collaboration with statutory and third-sector services. (LO3) Psychological, social, and risk assessment in complex cases. (LO2 & LO3) Developing evidence-based care plans, incorporating service user involvement and trauma-informed care. (LO1 & LO3) Using digital health tools and shared decision-making approaches. (LO3) Addressing severe mood disorders, psychosis, trauma, co-occurring conditions, and chronic illnesses. (LO3) Crisis intervention, relapse prevention, and long-term community support. (LO2 & LO3) Nurses as leaders in MDTs, engaging families, support networks, and communities. (LO3) Overcoming barriers to access for marginalised populations and addressing systemic challenges. (LO1) Determining when service user involvement is suitable and meaningful. (LO2) Understanding the Welsh context, including devolution, policy making and implementation, and culture (including Welsh language) (LO1)

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 and apply knowledge of ethical, legal, and policy considerations to support evidence-based complex decision-making in community mental health care.

• Critically examine the management of complex mental health presentations, considering co-occurring physical health conditions, neurodiversity, psychosocial factors, and barriers to service access, while demonstrating leadership in multi-agency care coordination.

• Exemplify expertise in conducting comprehensive mental health assessments and formulate individualised, evidence-based care plans, incorporating service user perspectives, and co-production approaches.