title: Integrating Mental Health Concepts in the Care of Adults With Chronic Illnesses: A Curricular Enhancement.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In the United States, inadequate attention has been given to the mental health needs of chronically ill adults, and the attempts to integrate mental health in primary care have fallen short.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article describes the beginning efforts of the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing to integrate mental health concepts into its adult-gerontological nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner curricula.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Competency and course content mapping activities revealed opportunities for mental health enhancement. Five mental health concepts were identified for module development: spectrum of emotions, validation skills, self-management, resilience, and diversity. Mental health modules will be integrated in the nurse practitioner Physical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning course, as well as in various clinical courses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Challenges and lessons learned, including efforts to foster active interprofessional learning among medical, physician assistant, and nurse practitioner students, are described.
authors.forename: Cristina C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Hendrix
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bowers
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Shelly
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Eisbach
authors.forename: Melvania E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Briggs
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fitzgerald
authors.forename: Loretta
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Matters
authors.forename: Cindy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Luddy
authors.forename: Loretta
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Braxton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004506:Education, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health / Q000193:education*