IntroductionThis essay will critically analyze the Care Program Approach (CPA) assessment and care plan in an OSCE that I undertook . Using CPA and current literature sources, I hope to demonstrate my knowledge and understanding of this skill as well as identify areas of learning opportunity. Assessment involves gathering information about a person's needs and situation and making sense of it. information to identify needs and decide what support or treatment to offer (DOH, 2002). There are many tools available to assess the mental health needs of patients with depression. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (Beck et. al, 1961; 1988), Beck Anxiety Inventory (Beck et al, 1993) and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSDS)(1965), among others. These tools tell me how a person feels. This information is important to the CPA.Critical AnalysisThe CPA is a process of care management for people with mental health and social care needs, including the management of associated risks. The main elements of the CPA are: assessment, care coordinator, care planning, review, transfer and discharge. The National Standard Framework for Mental Health introduced it to provide a framework for effective mental health care (DOH, 1999; DOH, 2008; Gamble, 2005). Under the CPA, John can use an Advance Statement to illustrate his personal preferences and what he would like to happen regarding his personal and family life if they were to lack capacity. These are important mechanisms to safeguard and promote the interests and health of the patient. The ACP is based on values ​​and principles which are at the heart of the personalization provided with the publication in March 2008 of “Refocusing the approach to the care program”. This updated guide highlights...... middle of article...... th edition, Philadelphia: Lippincott William & Wilkins.Shultz, JM & Videbeck, SL (2009) Lippincott Manual of Psychiatric Nursing Care Plans. 8th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/ Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Stickley, T. & Freshwater, D. (2006). “The art of listening in the therapeutic relationship” Journal of Mental Health Practice. 9 (5) pp. 12-18. Tamparo, CD and Lindh, WQ (2008). Therapeutic communications for health care. Albany, NY: The Care Program Approach Association, (2006) CPA National Standards and Audit Tool for Monitoring the Care Program Approach. Chesterfield: CPAAWalsh, A. and Clarke, V. (2009) Fundamentals of mental health nursing New York: Oxford University Press. Zung, WWK, (1965). A self-report depression scale. Camber. General Psychiatry. 12:63-70. [Duke Univ. Med. Ctr., Department of Psychiatry, Durham, North Carolina]