Deterioration of the Mental Health Status of Patients: 

Recognising symptoms and nursing interventions 

This session will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to identify early signs of mental health deterioration, respond effectively and provide appropriate care to ensure patient safety and well-being. Mental health deterioration can occur in various health care settings such as acute care, emergency departments, aged care, rehabilitation and community nursing. Early intervention is crucial in preventing escalation of deterioration, reducing harm and improving patient outcomes.
CPD HOURS: 1
Registration Year 2024-2025

Course Content

Mental health deterioration can significantly impact patient outcomes, increasing the risk of crises, hospitalisation, and long-term complications. Nurses play a crucial role in early recognition and intervention to prevent escalation and support patient recovery.

This presentation will explore the key indicators of mental health deterioration, focusing on early warning signs such as changes in mood, behavior, communication, cognition, and physical health. It will also examine common causes and risk factors, including medical, psychological, environmental, and social contributors to mental health decline.

A strong emphasis will be placed on nursing assessment, providing practical approaches to identifying and documenting concerns effectively. Evidence-based nursing interventions will be discussed, highlighting strategies for immediate and long-term support, including de-escalation techniques, therapeutic communication, and collaborative care planning.

Why this session may be relevant to your work

Statistics show that one in five people in Australia will experience a common mental health condition each year. As a Nurse that means one in five of my patients may have a mental health condition. I need the knowledge and skill to be able to identify deterioration in mental health, support the patient, and refer to a specialist service for treatment.

Learning Outcomes

In this session you will:
  • Identify early warning signs of mental health deterioration 
  • Discuss reasons for deterioration in a patient’s mental health status 
  • Understand the differences between normal fluctuations in mental health and indicators for potential crises 
  • Discuss the importance of assessment to evaluate the risk for self harm, suicide and or risk to others

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 Wendy McIntosh

RGN, RMHN, Grad. Dip MH, MN, Cert IV Workplace Assessment & Training, Group Leadership Cert, MRCNA, MANZCMHN, AANZPA

Establishing her own company Davaar Consultancy Training & Development in 2005, Wendy has over 30 years as a health professional (clinical, education and research), twenty-five of those years in mental health. Areas of specific interest and passion for Wendy include: professional supervision, professional boundaries, professional identity, links between childhood trauma and mental illness and workplace bullying.