The programme is designed for clinicians from psychiatry, mental health nursing, addiction, social work, counselling services, general practice (GP’s) and the prison/forensic services who wish to address a multidisciplinary integrated response to dual diagnosis. Core areas addressed include:

• Integrated knowledge and skills in working with dual diagnosis.
• Development of awareness in care planning issues relevant to this client group.
• A multidisciplinary overview of dual diagnosis service developments, providing key skills and practical tools to enhance collaborative working and improve outcomes in clinical practice.
• A critical understanding of potential referral pathways, collaborative assessment processes, treatment and service delivery in the community.
• Professionals currently active in dual diagnosis service delivery will introduce a multiplicity of theoretical perspectives, all of which play a key role in the local/contemporary response to dual diagnosis.
• An examination of contemporary debates around dual diagnosis, including language, ethics, stigma, politics, concepts and beliefs.

 

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Examine the ethical, professional and referral skills required in the assessment and treatment of individuals with dual diagnosis
• Explore various concepts and beliefs in the context of diagnosis and demonstrate pragmatic person-centred approaches to assessment and treatment.
• Discuss current implications of an integrated-interdisciplinary treatment model for dual diagnosis.
• Discuss the strengths and limitations of current models, their use within conventional healthcare systems and how further identified learning needs can assist in practice development.

 

Promoting experiential learning, students will be invited to engage in practical exercises led by practitioners in motivational interviewing (MI), acupuncture, art therapy and mindfulness. Theoretically, international best practice models will be examined, as will current Irish practice and development prospects. Case studies and role play will enhance learning through these practitioner led exercises.