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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 ideally placed to assess mental health service users’ physical health and provide relevant interventions. However, they may lack the confidence and knowledge to do so, as a result of limited education on physical health issues. This mixed methods pilot study sought to evaluate the effect of education on confidence in assessing and addressing physical health needs following attendance at a module entitled “Physical Health Issues in Adult Mental Health Practice.” An explanatory sequential design was used in which quantitative data regarding participants’ perceptions of their confidence on assessing and addressing physical health issues with service users were collected via a questionnaire pre- and post-module. Additionally, a focus group interview was conducted to expand on survey responses. Findings indicated that confidence scores increased for all participants following the module, with participants identifying new knowledge and plans for practice change. Further research is needed to educate and support mental health staff in improving their confidence and knowledge in this area.