In Australia, around 1 in 2 people will struggle with their mental health during their lifetime according to Beyond Blue.
Medical practitioners are usually the first contact point for patients who display PTSD symptoms. They are the conduit between patients, their community and access to physical and online mental health resources.
The content outlines key criteria for recognising and managing PTSD symptoms, along with available treatment options such as psychological therapies, medications, and supportive lifestyle strategies. It emphasises the importance of considering co-existing health conditions and recognising cultural factors, including those relevant to First Nations Peoples. The module incorporates insights from a patient and a carer, as well as a patient role-play. Additional supporting resources are included.
This course is recognised by the GPMHSC as a clinical enhancement module for Mental Health Skills Training. HealthCert also offers a Mental Health Skills Training Core Module to complete the MHST modular pathway.
Contact hours:
10.00
Pre/Post hours:
2.50
Total hours:
12.50
Total hours includes:
Case study hours:
6.50
Pre/Post activity
The pre-course activity includes information on the Australian mental health services, Better access initiative, a GPMHSC guide for general practitioners, cultural awareness, how the learning will improve professional practice, and select an article (4 included), and explain why it is of interest and how it will help in clinical practice.
Post course reflective: List key learning points, and what is being implemented into clinical practice.
Learning objectives
- Detect trauma and stressor related mental health issues (PTSD) experienced
by consumers
- Assess and manage trauma and stressor related mental health issues (PTSD)
in the context of general practice
- In consultation with consumers and carers, develop an agreed evidence
based and needs based GP MHTP for trauma and stressor related mental health
issues (PTSD).
- Incorporate the lived experience and needs of consumers, their carers and
others in a person’s network in a GP MHTP
- Discuss the use of practice systems and strategies to provide safe and
holistic mental health care in the context of general
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, cultural awareness, GPMHSC information
for GPs. Four articles are provided for PTSD.
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 - Consumer interview and two Carer interviews. Tutorial includes 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.