The Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) Guidance and the IAR Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) were developed to create a nationally consistent framework for conducting initial mental health assessments. They assist general practitioners and other healthcare professionals in identifying and recommending the most appropriate level of care for individuals seeking mental health support.
These tools are an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, drawing on a range of sources, including Australian and international research evidence, as well as guidance from leading experts in the field.
Training Options
1. Online Live Workshop - The workshop will be facilitated by an experienced IAR Training and Support Officer (TSO) from the National TSO Network.
Component 1: Foundations
Introduction to the IAR and its development
Overview of stepped care in Australia
Orientation to IAR domains, levels of care, and the Decision Support Tool
Component 2: Interactive Practical Application
Application of the IAR-DST using a consumer scenario
Clinical judgement and supported decision-making in practice
2.e-Learning Module
A self-paced elearning module is available for suitably qualified and experienced health professionals involved in mental health assessment and/or treatment. This flexible online format allows health professionals, intake interviewers, and care navigators including non-clinical staff to complete the training at a time and place that suits their operational needs. To learn more about how the module works, please view the Video
This activity is approved by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. A certificate of attendance will be provided for participants to self-report eligible hours.
CPD Accreditation
This is an approved CPD activity with both:
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM)
A certificate of attendance will be issued to enable participants to self-report CPD hours in accordance with college requirements.
Please contact [email protected] if you’re interested to know more about the online workshop.
Benefits of the IAR-DST
1. Consistent and transparent referrals The IAR-DST provides a standardised framework for referrers to communicate assessment and referral information consistently, and articulate treatment needs using a language commonly understood across the sector. Widespread use of the IAR-DST improves awareness and transparency of how decisions about the appropriateness of referrals are made.
2. Improved patient outcomes Effective communication of a consumer’s circumstances will ensure that they are matched to the most appropriate service for their needs, minimise the risks and liabilities associated with under-estimating a person’s treatment needs. Moreover, this can reduce frustration and save time in managing rejected referrals, meaning more patients receive the right care at the right time.
3. Supported decision making Referrers can use the tool to guide the discussion about treatment options with consumers, with the flexibility to adjust treatment needs in response to changes in their circumstances Studies have shown that when consumers are involved in the decision process, they are empowered and more likely to adhere to care.
4. Streamlined referral process Integration of the IAR-DST within existing primary systems and mapping of available services to each level of care will streamline decision-making processes and reduce overall administrative load
How IAR Works
Eight holistic domains
The IAR-DST is used to alongside a usual mental health assessment to gather information from the consumer. The tool considers 8 holistic domains that are important for referral decision making in mental health, including:
Symptom Severity and Distress
Risk of Harm
Functioning
Impact of Co-Existing Conditions
Treatment and Recovery History
Social and Environmental Stressors
Family and Other Support
Engagement and Motivation
Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool
Access the Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool
For most Australians, a general practice is the first port of call when they access Australian’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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
Answer
What is IAR-DST?
The Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) is an initiative by the 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. You can view the Guidance of this initiative here. The IAR Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST or DST) is a decision support aid to assist clinicians in matching a person's mental health treatment needs with the right level of service intensity, which you can view here: https://iar-dst.online/#/
How long does the IAR-DST take to complete?
Following a comprehensive mental health assessment, filling out the IAR-DST takes approximately 2-3 minutes for frequent users and 5-10 minutes for infrequent users.
Who can do the training?
We welcome everyone from the mental health workforce to attend the training and learn about IAR. Specific guidance on which clinician groups should complete the initial assessment and how to engage peer workers, youth workers, and workers trained in the delivery of low intensity services to undertake components of the initial assessment is outlined on page 20 of the Guidance, which can be found here.
