Medical practitioners are the conduit between the patients, their community and access to physical and online mental health facilities and resources. This course includes training for practitioners to provide evidence-based, patient-centred care to people living with a mental illness. Online and external resources are provided for patients unable to physically attend appointments and those living in rural and remote Australia. The course teaches from a trauma informed focus and includes cultural awareness and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander information.
This course introduces skills and techniques to detect, assess and review patients with mental health issues including screening under the Mental Health Better Access Initiative. It includes guides and examples of conducting effective mental health interviews, developing, and reviewing General Practice Mental Health Treatment Plans.
This course is recognised by the GPMHSC as a core module of the modular Mental Health Skills Training. A clinical enhancement module on PTSD is offered as an option to complete the modular pathway.
Contact hours:
10.00
Pre/Post hours:
2.50
Total hours:
12.50
Total hours includes:
Case study hours:
6.00
Pre/Post activity
The pre-course activity includes information on the Australian mental health services, Better access initiative, ATSI information, a GPMHSC guide for general practitioners, self care strategies for GPs and how the course learning will improve professional practice.
Post course: List three learning points, Reflect on current practice, identify skills, strengths, and areas to apply the course knowledge, and What will you do differently when you see a patient you suspect has mental health issues?
Learning objectives
- Identify and manage treatment for mental health
issues experienced by consumers within the context of general practice.
- Develop and review evidence-based and needs-based
General Practice Mental Health Treatment Plan in consultation with consumers
and carers within the context of general practice.
- Use practice systems to identify local services and
resources that safeguard consumer safety and assist in providing holistic
mental health care to consumers within the context of general practice.
- Use appropriate MBS item numbers relating to provision of mental health care within the context of practice.
Assessment information
Pre-course reflective activity (self assessed).
Successfully complete 11 Knowledge based MCQs (80% pass).
Successfully complete 11 Applied Knowledge MCQs (80% pass).
Exams are based on the course content. Exams can be repeated and are open book. Exams do not have to be completed in one sitting.
Post-course reflective activity (self assessed).
Informal self-assessment of current knowledge.
Additional information
The pre-course activities include information on Australia’s mental health care system, Better Access Initiative, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, a GPMHSC guide for GPs. Information on Self-care for general practitioners is included.
Four case discussions are presented. Participants respond to each case and then may communicate with other respondents and view the expert response to each case.
Interview examples - Observation of clinical practice: 20 minute role play and extracts from a 40 minute role play
Tutorial include discussion of key points, case discussions review, own case discussion opportunities and Q&A.
Key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander information and resources
Alumni have access to the Community portal where they receive ongoing access to course materials and other resources.