Medical Psychology - Application of Psychological Principles in the Practice of MedicineModule Details

Rationale 

Medical psychology is linked with health psychology and behavioural medicine as the three disciplines study the ways in which biological, psychological, and social factors interact to influence health. Psychological theories and principles are used to improve health and wellbeing of patients.

This course aims to help students develop a deeper understanding that medical psychology is concerned with the application of psychological principles to the practice of medicine. 

Learning Outcomes 

At the end of the course students will be expected to:
(i)    Define clinical psychology and differentiate it from other mental health care professions.
(ii)    Analyse the importance of evidence-based mental health services in medical psychology.
(iii)   Explain the activities performed by clinical psychologists and apply the guiding principles used in practice.
(iv)   Evaluate the current diagnostic system and critique its strengths and limitations.
(v)    Assess the purpose of psychological assessments and compare the strengths and weaknesses of various strategies used by clinical psychologists.
(vi)   Apply principles of psychotherapeutic interventions and theories to evidence-based treatments for children and adults.
(vii)  Describe subfields of clinical psychology, including clinical neuropsychology, clinical forensic psychology, and clinical health psychology.