General Practitioners have an important role and are often the first point of contact for identifying and supporting patients with mental health needs. Several tools are now available to support GPs in determining the most appropriate course of action to recommend for patients requiring care for their mental health.
Initial Assessment and Referral Tool
The Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) for Mental Health is available for use by general practitioners and mental health clinicians. Guided by assessment information and clinical judgement, the digital tool is used to support GPs and mental health clinicians to recommend a level of care for a person seeking mental health support.
The online IAR tool offers a standardised and objective approach to help determine the level of care, type of interventions and supports that align with a persons’ needs. Developed by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, the IAR has collected information from various sources including Australian and international evidence and advice from a range of leading experts.
GP Psychiatry Support Line
Following feedback from GPs in the western Victorian region, WVPHN has commissioned the GP Psychiatry Support Line. The Support Line is a free phone-in service available to GPs manage the mental health care of their patients.
The service’s psychiatrists support GPs with information and advice regarding specific cases or general enquiry. There is no limit to how many times a GP can call the GP Psychiatry Support Line and records of each GP enquiry, including the psychiatrist’s advice, will be sent back to the GP following each consultation.
To use the service GPs can register online at www.gpsupport.org.au or over the phone on 1800 16 17 18.