Level 2 Psychological Assessment Skills – May 2026

This course is currently undergoing CPD accreditation, with full approval expected before the May start date.

Day 1 – 15th May 2026, 09.30 – 16.30
Day 2 – 19th June 2026, 09.30 – 16.30

Both dates must be attended

ABOUT THE COURSE

This two‑day training programme is designed for Band 6 and above healthcare professionals who support patients experiencing psychological distress at Level 2. The course offers a blend of theory, skills practice, case study application, reflective exercises and structured assessment tools to build confidence and competence in recognising, assessing, and responding to psychological need.

Attendees will ideally have completed the Advanced Communication Skills Training (two‑day course).

A delegate workbook and pre‑course reading list will be provided.

WHY THIS TRAINING MATTERS — FOR ALL HCP’s, NOT JUST PALLIATIVE CARE!

Although the course draws on principles commonly used in palliative care, Level 2 psychological assessment is essential across every area of clinical practice.

Psychological distress does not occur only at the end of life. Patients in all clinical settings — acute wards, oncology, primary care, emergency departments, community services and long‑term condition management— frequently experience fear, uncertainty, trauma responses, anxiety, depression and emotional overwhelm. Clinicians are often the first to notice this distress.

This course helps clinicians to:

• recognise complex emotional responses early
• understand what sits within Level 2 psychological support
• respond safely, compassionately and within scope
• work confidently with distress, trauma responses and adjustment challenges
• use structured assessment models and tools
• escalate and signpost appropriately
• protect their own emotional wellbeing

Whether working with sudden illness, chronic disease, cancer, crisis admissions, or recovery and rehabilitation, every clinician needs a strong psychological assessment foundation.

This training strengthens patient safety, improves communication, and supports both patients and staff in managing distress more confidently.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Define key psychological concepts including distress, anxiety, depression, post traumatic growth and holistic needs assessment
• Discuss the principles of good communication that supports psychological distress
• Describe the role and responsibilities of Level 2 practitioners in recognising and responding to psychological needs
• Differentiate between normal emotional responses and indicators of more complex psychological distress
• Apply case formulation and personal/family meaning to assess distress and guide supportive practice
• Use case studies to explore how distress, anxiety, and depression may present in practice
• Identify assessment tools commonly used to support patients psychological needs
• Apply psychological formulation models (Hot Cross Buns/5 P’s) to interpret patient presentations
• Implement signposting pathways to appropriate support services
• Examine the suicide risk framework to identify risk indicators and protective factors
• Critically appraise the role of value based acceptance theory in supporting patient wellbeing and to support safety planning
• Reflect on personal practice through a retrospective case reflection to identify strengths and areas for development
• Discuss Holistic Needs Assessment and rationale for use
• Explore the concept of total pain and create awareness of importance of providing holistic support
• Integrate principles of compassionate mind approaches to enhance patient wellbeing in clinical practice
• Analyse how evolved brain systems influence emotional responses and self compassion
• Apply self compassion strategies to manage difficult emotions in professional practice
• Integrate principles of compassionate mind approaches to enhance personal and professional wellbeing

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This course is not limited to palliative care professionals. It is relevant to:

• Advanced Clinical Practitioners
• Acute ward staff
• Community nurses/paramedics
• Urgent care/ED nurses
• long‑term condition teams

If you encounter patients experiencing distress, fear, trauma responses, uncertainty or emotional imbalance, this course will strengthen your practice.

HCT staff should please book a space directly via education@isabelhospice.org.uk