Training Mental Health Nurses to Assess the Physical Health Needs of Mental Health Service Users: A Pre- and Post-test Analysis

Purpose: The aim of this project was to develop, deliver, and evaluate a brief evidenced-based education package to enhance physical health literacy in mental health nurses. Design and Methods: Pre- and post-test survey of knowledge of physical health in serious mental illness, satisfaction with the workshop, and applicability to practice. Findings: Participants were motivated to attend and complete the questions. There was statistically significant knowledge gain immediately post workshop and participants described satisfaction with the content and a willingness to apply learning from the session to their practice. Practice Implications: If such workshops are provided as a collaborative and relatively inexpensive way of education, they can contribute to building the capacity of mental health nurses to be literate in physical health interventions.