The development of a self-learning module on mental status assessment for registered nurses working within mental health and addictions

Abstract

Background: An essential role of the mental health nurse at the Waterford Hospital is to complete a mental status assessment on all patients at the time of admission and throughout the patient’s hospitalization. To ensure that all registered nurses are knowledgeable in performing a mental status assessment, all registered nurses orientating to the Waterford Hospital are required to attend a three and a half hour mental status assessment in-service. Outside of this mental status assessment in-service, there are currently no other learning resources on mental status assessment available for registered nurses orientating to the Waterford Hospital. Purpose: The purpose of this practicum project was to develop a comprehensive self-learning module intended to increase orientating registered nurses’ knowledge of mental status assessment. Methods: This practicum project included a review of the literature, consultation with key stakeholders and subject matter experts, and a review of mental health textbooks. Results: A selflearning module on mental status assessment was developed. It consists of eight sections, each containing descriptors of each of the components, sample documentation, and a reflective exercise. The module also includes a glossary of mental status terminology, a quick reference tool, and questions to elicit psychopathology. Conclusion: A selflearning module on mental status assessment was developed for registered nurses at the Waterford Hospital. Next steps include implementation and evaluation of the selflearning module.