Training & Education 
  
As of 1 November there will be no mandatory training requirements for GPs to refer patients through the new Better Access initiative.  This includes GPs referring patients under Better Access for services through the Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) projects. However, it is strongly recommended that GPs providing mental health care using the new GP Mental Health Care items have completed appropriate mental health training, such as training recognised through the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration. GPs claiming Service Incentive Payments for 3 Step Mental Health process services, or providing Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS), continue to require Level 1 or Level 2 training respectively and registration with Medicare Australia.

Familiarisation training

Completion of familiarisation training will no longer be required.  In order to access Medicare items for GP Focussed Psychological Strategies, GPs will still need to complete Level 1 and Level 2 training.

Additional Information

 

ADGP is in the process of developing some further educational resources for Divisions and General Practitioners. These will be posted on this website as soon as they are approved.

 

Below are some tips as to how you may host and structure an information night in your local area.

 

An initial meeting with key health professionals involved in the initiative would be a good way to combine information, education & networking. Key health professionals would include GPs, Practice Nurses, Psychiatrists, Pediatricians, Clinical and Non-Clinical Psychologists, Social Workers and Occupational Therapists.

 

Suggested structure:

 

Introduction to initiative

A brief introduction to the initiative

 

Overview of new Item Numbers

This may be done by a representative from Medicare Australia

 

Role of GP in Mental Health

This will enable all participants to understand the role that the GP plays in Mental Health Care

 

Role of Psychiatrist in Mental Health

This will also inform psychiatrists about the new initial consultation item number and when it is appropriate to refer to a psychiatrist

 

Role of Clinical Psychologist in Mental Health

Useful for GPs to understand when they would refer to Clinical Psychologist and what the fundamental differences between Clinical and Non- Clinical Psychologists are

 

Role of Psychologist in Mental Health

Informing GPs as to the skill set of Psychologists and when it would be appropriate to refer to a Psychologist

 

 

Role of Social Worker in Mental Health

Informing GPs as to the skill set of Social Workers and when it would be appropriate to refer to a Social Worker

 

Role of Occupational Therapist in Mental Health

Informing GPs as to the skill set of Occupational Therapists and when it would be appropriate to refer to an Occupational Therapist.

 

Question & Answer Session

Panel discussion with all presenters