Abstract
Objective: This poster will outline the role of divisions of General Practice and the Primary Mental Health Care Development Officers in each State Based Organisation (SBO) with regard to primary mental health care in Australia.
Outline: Mental health has now been placed high on the national health agenda due to the increased recognition of high-prevalence disorders, the high cost of care and future projections for an increasing burden of mental illness. As part of the implementation of the 2nd National Health Strategy, the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care (DHAC) has developed a national Primary Mental Health Care strategy. This strategy has provided the divisions of General Practice Program with funding for a two year period, with the funding encompassing two initiatives:
Education ‘incentives’ funds, and
Employment of a Primary Mental Health Care Development Officer in each state base organisation.
The Development Officers will provide key support in both the development of and support for the role of General Practitioners in primary mental health care. Their activities include:
Assisting GPs and divisions to co-ordinate, access and develop mental health education and training initiatives (including utilisation of the PMHS ‘incentive’ funds);
Supporting GPs and divisions in the development and maintenance of appropriate mental health care initiatives, including shared care programs and consultation-liaison arrangements with mental health services;
Fostering linkages between GPs, divisions and mental health care service providers, including public, private and non-government/psychiatric disability support services; and
Liaising closely with the Australian Centre for Resources in Primary Mental Health Care to provide information to GPs and divisions about the most appropriate education and training resources.
Conclusion: The outcomes expected by 30th June 2001 from the initiatives are:
Demonstrated improvements in mental health outcomes for consumers;
A substantial number of GPs with demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in consultation, diagnosis and treatment of consumers with mental health problems and conditions; and
Demonstrated improved links, and shared care arrangements, between GPs and specialist mental health services-public, private and non-government.