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Workforce, training and education

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  8. Mental health resources

Mental health resources

Mental health problems affect about 1 in 4 of the population. Therefore, many of the people you work with will also have mental health problems. These mental health problems could be causing their physical health problems (directly or indirectly) and / or could be made worse by their physical problems.

This starting point demonstrates how physical- and mental-health are inextricably linked: there is no physical health without mental health.

So, this section gives you lots of resources that can support you to upskill yourself and develop your knowledge, clinical skills and competencies to support those.

However, also be aware that your mental health matters. Many of the newer patient facing clinical roles for pharmacy staff have an emotional drain on you. Be aware of that. So do also look after yourself – see the section of wellbeing resources.

Competency Frameworks

Wherever you work, all pharmacy staff should have minimum competencies to work with those with mental health problems. This framework describes these six basic competencies and provides examples of your practice. This framework complements the NQP competency framework.

If you choose to work & specialise in mental health, you may want to consider taking the next steps and credential as an advanced specialist mental health pharmacist with either the CMHP and/or RPS

Suicide awareness learning resources

  • Suicide awareness - A 1-hour video-based e-learning pack exploring the pharmacy team’s role in supporting suicide prevention
  • Suicide awareness training - A suite of short introductory suicide awareness training packs including specific packages for those, for example, with autism, or for veterans, university students, or those working in prisons. Provides lots of introductory skills
  • Self-harm & suicide prevention - A suite of resources to support the development of your suicide awareness skills
  • We need to talk about suicide: suicide awareness training - A short introductory practical suicide awareness training pack. Provides lots of introductory skills
  • Suicide – the role of pharmacy - An article giving practical advice about how pharmacy staff can identify, listen to & support those with suicidal thoughts

Assessment and mental state examination skills learning resources

  • Mental state examination (MSE) - Not to be confused with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE, an assessment of cognition), the MSE systematically assesses the breadth of a person’s mental health signs & symptoms

Mental health learning resources

  • Mental health learning gateway - This page provides links to a wide range of training & resources
  • Mental health - A 60-hour self-directed e-course running annually, usually each January – next expected January 2026
  • Mental health module - A suite of mental health tutorials focussed on responding to common mental optimisation scenarios. The whole portal supports newly qualified and early career pharmacists developing their clinical skills
  • Consulting with people with mental health problems - A 3-hour e-learning course supporting you reflect on how you adapt your consultation with people with mental health problems
  • Mental health and wellbeing in primary care - A 1-day online workshop (+ pre- & post-work) focussing on common mental health problems seen in primary care. It provides practical skills to support clinical staff
  • The Mental Capacity Act 2005 and covert administration of medicines - An online CPPE workshop (+ pre- & post-work) supporting the development of your knowledge to support people who may lack mental capacity
  • Introduction to mental health and therapeutics - An established self-directed resource, typically used by Foundation Trainee Pharmacists and new rotating pharmacists in specialist mental health care. Provides a wide range of information including core and niche topics
  • Antipsychotics - A suite of e-learning modules summarising each class, considering prescribing points but focussing on the breadth of side effects and mitigations. These modules have not been reviewed or updated since launch in 2015
  • Benzodiazepines - A suite of e-learning modules summarising each class, considering prescribing points but focussing on the breadth of side effects and mitigations. These modules have not been reviewed or updated since launch in 2015
  • Opioids - A suite of e-learning modules summarising each class, considering prescribing points but focussing on the breadth of side effects and mitigations. These modules have not been reviewed or updated since launch in 2015
  • SSRIs - A suite of e-learning modules summarising each class, considering prescribing points but focussing on the breadth of side effects and mitigations. These modules have not been reviewed or updated since launch in 2015
  • Depression: having meaningful conversations - A short workshop exploring your approach to difficult questions associated with newly starting antidepressants and the risks of suicide
  • Learning disabilities learning gateway - Links to a wide range of training & resources
  • Learning disabilities - A self-directed e-learning course focussing on the scope of learning disabilities, approaches to consultations, the impact to physical health and medicines optimisation. Throughout encourages the learner to consider reasonable adjustments that could support the person
  • Inclusive pharmacy practice in learning disabilities (news) 
  • Valproate: the hard conversations - A short workshop exploring your approach to difficult questions about the risk of conception and contraception associated with valproate treatment

Mental health skills & knowledge training

More advanced knowledge, skills & competencies

  • Mental health improvement & suicide prevention - NES (NHS Education Scotland) and TURAS. Signposting to stepped learning about suicide awareness & prevention
  • Specialist Mental Health Pharmacist Training Pathway - NHS England and University of Bradford. Arising from the NHS Fit for the Future 10 year Health Plan for England  (and the earlier Long Term Plan) and the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, this 12-month specialist training pathway for pharmacists (& pharmacy technicians) working to support those with severe, enduring mental illness (SMI). The pathway focusses on responding autonomously to complex & highly complex cases and explores 10 clinical & skills focussed units. The monitoring & management of co-morbid physical health problems is interwoven throughout the course.

    While the pathway does not lead to advanced credentialling, the course work can readily be adapted for that purpose; the modules are mapped to relevant frameworks

Other resources for patients, carers & family members

 

If you have any comments about this page or would like to suggest additions, please contact england.wtepharmacy.nw@nhs.net

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