Course Description - Identification and Screening of Psychosis

1. Course Description

This course is offered by Stanford University's School of Medicine and focuses on equipping students with practical approaches to identify and screen suspected psychosis. Through narrative storytelling, case scenarios, and didactic sessions, it delves deep into understanding the early signs and symptoms of psychosis, providing insights into the patient's mind. The course is rooted in the vital practice of engaging with young individuals and their families to manage expectations and interventions in psychosis.

2. Learning Outcomes

• Recognize the identifying signs of psychosis and the diversity of patient behavior within this condition.
• Understand the consequences of misdiagnosis or overlooked diagnosis in psychosis.
• Implement targeted questioning strategies to effectively screen for potential psychosis.

3. Prerequisites

No specific prerequisites are needed for this course, enabling professionals from various backgrounds such as family practice, pediatrics, psychiatry, nursing, and social work to participate effectively.

4. Course Content

• Introduction to Psychosis and its significance
• Early Signs and Symptoms of Psychosis
• Engagement strategies with patients and their families
• Case studies and scenario-based learnings
• High-yield screening questions for early detection

5. Who Should Enroll in This Course?

This course is specifically beneficial for family practice physicians, primary care professionals, pediatricians, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and school social workers who are interested in enhancing their diagnostic capabilities around psychosis.

6. Application of Skills in Real World

The skills acquired from this course can significantly improve patient care by enabling healthcare providers to recognize and initiate early treatment interventions for psychosis. Effective screening and correct diagnosis can lead to better health outcomes and are critical in settings such as schools, hospitals, and private practice.

7. Course Syllabus

1. Introduction: Understanding Psychosis in the Healthcare Context
2. Recognizing Early Signs of Psychosis
3. Strategic Interaction with Patients and Families
4. Case Study Analysis
Screening Techniques and Effective Questions
5. Conclusion: Integrating Learnings into Clinical Practice