July 24, 2009
It also describes the levels of support and treatment required in line with patient needs and promotes continued professional develop-ment.
In addition to the portfolio, which is a book of 22 scales and questionnaires, a three day education package consisting of theory and workshops was devised locally with support from the Regional Centre for Nurse Education.
Approximately 60 nurses out of a cohort of 400 have received training through this package last year. Further training will continue in 2009.
It is the intention of the Mental Health Services to make the portfolio available through the HSE intranet and library services to facilitate disciplines accessing these tools.
Speaking at the launch, Margaret Daly, HSE Nurse Practice Development Coordinator said, "Ultimately, the portfolio will make assessments more widely available for patients and increase the information available to patients.
It will act as a resource across disciplines and thus become a more standard component of care which can only improve the system. Annual reviews and updates are planned if newer tools become available and if service needs demand alternative tools/scales that better meet the patient's needs."
