Abstract
Objective: The present paper aims to provide an overview of the Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance Programme (MSOAP) and its implementation in South Australia with particular reference to the expansion of visiting psychiatric services to rural and remote areas. Included is a discussion of a number of the practical issues and challenges experienced by the author in the development of a visiting psychiatric service to the remote community of Coober Pedy in northern South Australia.
Conclusions: There has been much success to date with the expansion of visiting psychiatric services to rural and remote areas within South Australia under MSOAP. MSOAP appears to have considerable merit, particularly for psychiatrists working in private practice. There are several practical issues to be considered in taking on this type of work. The professional rewards are substantial.