Introduction to Mental Health, Learning Disability and Eating Disorders

October 2010, 9.30 – 16.00
University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff
Facilitator: Annette Dunne

The course is an introduction to the subjects, with emphasis on improving skills and knowledge to increase confidence in decision making when working with the client groups within Mental Health, Learning Disability and Eating Disorders.

Aims

  • To give non-specialist Dietitians an overview of the role of the Dietitian in working with the three core aspects of mental health: Learning Disabilities, Eating disorders and general mental health.
  • To raise awareness of the key nutritional, pharmacological, medical, social and psychological issues that may arise when working with these specific client groups.
  • To provide the skills and knowledge to enable non-specialist Dietitians to access information, assess and signpost service users into the correct treatment pathways.
  • To provide the skills and knowledge to enable non-specialist Dietitians to make decisions about multi-disciplinary team (MDT) involvement, communication, setting goals and boundaries, risk assessment and safe working with these client groups.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course Dietitians will be able to:

  • Access appropriate information and support regarding working with LD, MH and ED client groups.
  •  Demonstrate an awareness of some of the key nutritional, psychological, medical and social issues arising with these client groups.
  • Demonstrate increased knowledge and understanding in undertaking a range of the following: 
    1. Dietetic assessments, signposting and goal setting for these client groups.
    2. MDT working and communication for these client groups.
    3. Risks assessments for these client groups.
    4. Setting boundaries for these client groups.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Dietitian in the treatment of these client groups.
  • Discuss the key difference between non mental health and mental health services.