Does Education Improve Mental Health Practitioners’ Confidence in Meeting the Physical Health Needs of Mental Health Service Users? A Mixed Methods Pilot Study

Mental health nurses are expected to assess physical health needs and provide relevant interventions to improve the physical health of mental health service users. However, as a result of poor knowledge or limited education on physical health issues, these needs may not be met effectively. This mixed methods pilot study evaluates the effect of education on confidence in assessing and addressing physical health needs. Quantitative data regarding participants’ perceptions of their confidence on assessing and addressing physical health issues with service users were collected via a questionnaire survey before and after attending a module entitled ‘Physical health issues in adult mental health practice’. A focus group interview was conducted following analysis of the survey responses. Confidence scores increased for all participants following the module. Participants identifyed new knowledge and plans for practice change