Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Long Term Conditions and Medically Unexplained Symptoms
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| NURS4144 | Nursing | 4 | 30 | Spring UK |
- Code
- NURS4144
- School
- Nursing
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 30
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
On completion of the course, students will more fully understand the medical aspects of long-term conditions (LTC) and medically unexplained symptoms (MUS), collaborate more efficiently with colleagues such as GPs and community nurses, engage a potentially hard to reach patient group, and identify and treat episodes of depression and anxiety.
The curriculum will follow the high intensity curriculum as recommended in the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies LTC/MUS Curriculum 2016, with topics including: Therapist beliefs and values, knowledge of the LTCs and MUS, psychological processes in these conditions.
- Assessment and formulation of problems in the context of multidisciplinary working;
- Adapting CBT for these conditions to promote cognitive and behavioural change, involving the partner in treatment;
- Health promotion in long term conditions;
- CBT protocols for LTCs and MUS The use of high intensity;
- CBT approaches such as meditation, health promotion, and adjustment and acceptance therapy.
Target Students
CBT therapists in IAPT working with the above conditions.Applicants must be qualified CBT therapists (or qualified non CBT therapists with appropriate CBT experience), working in a mental health, social care or associated independent sector agency, where they would be able to assess and treat patients with MUS and LTC. Students must be a member of the BABCP, adhere to its code of practice and maintain theirmembership through this course.
Classes
8 face to face teaching days including lectures, role-play, discussion groups and clinical skills rehearsal sessions (64 hours), clinical supervision (6 hours), 2 directed, blended learning days where student’s complete portfolio activities and skills practice (16 hours), independent study: 214 hours.
Assessment
- 50% Presentation 1: 20 minutes oral presentation with 10 minutes of questions.
- 50% Assessment: 2,000 word written assignment.
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
The aim of this module is to enable qualified CBT therapies to develop additional skills in recognising and working with long term medical conditions (LTC) such as diabetes and airways disease, and with mediclly unexplained (psychosomatic) symptoms (MUS). This is a specialist area and needs additional training above basic CBT training. The course will provide practical, intensive and detailed skills training for working with people with anxiety disorders or depression in the context of LTCs and people with distressing MUS.Learning Outcomes
Critically examine the demands of their professional role and individual training needs regarding patients with LTCs and MUS encountered in clinical practice.
Critically appraise and evaluate the current evidence base underpinning high-intensity interventions in LTCs and MUS.
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of national policies and guidance concerning LTCs and MUS.
Demonstrate how they would apply high intensity CBT interventions in clinical work with patients with LTCs and MUS.
Demonstrate an enhanced ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues such as GPs and community nurses.
Critically reflect on how their knowledge and skills have developed throughout the course.
Oral presentation skills
Teamwork across disciplinary boundaries in health care
Critical thinking
Professionalism