The Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) is an initiative of the Australian Department of Health on establishing effective systems for the initial assessment and referral of individuals presenting with mental health conditions in primary health care settings. Each PHN has an IAR Training and Support Officer to provide training to General Practitioners and clinicians in their catchment to learn about, use and embed the IAR Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) into clinical practice.
Why GPs are important in mental health
For most Australians, a general practice is the first port of call when they access Australia’s healthcare system, and their general practitioner (GP) is usually the first person they consult about their mental health care. In 2020-21, almost 13% of Australians aged 16-85 saw a GP for their mental health.
In 2019-20, approximately 30% of Medicare-subsidised services specific to mental health were provided by GPs. In a recent report, GPs reported – for the sixth consecutive year- that psychological conditions (including sleep disturbance and depression) were the most commonly reported reasons for patient presentations.
This is why GPs would benefit from skills and knowledge to identify and address patient’s mental health needs.
Futher information about the IAR can be found here
IAR workshop details
A $300 once-off incentive payment is available per GP and 4 CPD points apply, for completing the IAR training.
*Payment is available to GP and Registrars. Payment is not available to other medical staff, clinicians or GPs working in Adult Mental Health Centres or Aboriginal Medical Services already funded by the Government.
1. GPs and Registrars can register for upcoming IAR workshop offered by Country SA PHN here .
2. Practices can alternatively book IAR workshop for the practice here .
3. GPs and Registrars can choose to attend the National Training – IAR for Mental Healthcare delivered by Jenni Campbell (National Project Manager). It is a 2.5-hour workshop delivered online. To register for this option, click here.
IAR Workshops conducted in March 2023
A number of IAR webinars were conducted by Country SA PHN in March 2023. With a wide range of training dates and times being offered, GPs registered for trainings during lunch hours, after hours and on weekends. Practices also booked sessions suitable to the avalability of their GPs to conduct the IAR workshop. Click here
Want to try the Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool? If you would like to have a look at the IAR-DST, please click here. (The Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool does not replace clinical judgment based on presentation. Your clinical judgment is irreplaceable)
CSAPHN realise and value the importance of working collaboratively throughout the life of the Initial Assessment and Referral Project and Maria will be ready to support you until for several years to come. Please contact iar@countrysaphn.com.au for one-on-one training in this new innovative tool.
