Mental Disorders in Advanced Practice:Integrating a new course into DNP curriculum

Persons with psychiatric and mental health disorders comprise approximately 25% of primary care visits nationwide, however between 54% and 77% of patients with these disorders will go unrecognized (Blexen, Perzynski, Sajatovic, & Dawson, 2011).  Up to half of patients with physical complaints in primary care will have either an idiopathic or psychiatric etiology for their complaint.   The University Nurse Practitioner Program faculty (Pediatric, Adult/Gerontology, Family and Psychiatric/Mental Health) recognized this health phenomenon.  When DNP curricular changes began, a psychiatric mental health course for all NP students was incorporated into the new plan of study.  The aim of the course is to enhance the psychiatric/mental health knowledge, skills and attitudes of nurse practitioner students prior to starting their respective specialty didactic and clinical coursework.  The course is taught the semester prior to clinical rotations and is required for all NP students.  It was co-developed and delivered in 2012 by two experienced faculty, both dually board certified as FNP and PMHNP.  The course was conducted over ten weeks in 5 modules.  It was delivered on line and there were 2 mandatory on campus dates.   Students were assigned to learning groups that were designed to include NP students of each NP specialty.  The aim of this presentation is to provide an overview of the content delivered, examples of learning activities, and challenges and highlights.  Results of a pre and post course student survey on experience and attitudes regarding mental health will be presented.  Faculty reflection on future course delivery and modifications will be included.