Overview
Objectives
Program details
Resources
For more information

Overview

The Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative (Better Access) was released 1 November 2006, as part of the larger CoAG National Action Plan on Mental Health.  The Better Access Initiative encourages all GPs to work more closely and collaboratively with psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and other mental health professionals, to improve patient outcomes in the area of mental health, via the introduction of a suite of Medicare-rebateable mental health services for patients.

In October 2007, with support from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA), the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) released the Better Access Education and Training Strategy, to support increased uptake of the initiative and optimise the services delivered within it.

Objectives

The Better Access Education and Training Strategy is designed to:

• introduce mental health professionals to the Better Access initiative;
• inform them of the requirements of Medicare Australia; and
  
• provide the opportunity to identify, establish and enhance local mental health networks for the provision of improved team based care.

Mental health professionals have reported a need for information regarding the new Medicare arrangements as well as for the opportunity to participate in multidisciplinary discussion on topics such as making quality referrals, giving and receiving appropriate feedback, GP-psychiatry liaison and care planning. The Better Access Education and Training Strategy aims to facilitate this process.

Program details

The Better Access Education and Training Strategy comprises of three modules. 

GPQ received funding from AGPN to support the delivery of these modules at the local level, with 14 divisions taking advantage of this offer.  Although the formal funding period for delivery of the modules is now past (September 2007 – June 2008), the modules are still available for delivery via other means.  Divisions can seek support elsewhere to support the more widespread uptake of this training. 

The three modules are:

Module One: An overview of Better Access for providers

• Overview of MBS items;
• DVD of video vignettes;
• Referral pathways and feedback mechanisms;
• Elements of a care plan; and
• Question and answers.
  
  

Module Two: GP-Psychiatry Liaison: getting it right.

• Overview of new and updated psychiatry MBS items; 
• Overview of other psychiatry supports eg. GP PsychSupport; and
• Presentations and case discussion.
  
  

Module Three: Building the local mental health team.

• Principles and practices involved in multi-disciplinary teams;
• Case Study 1: Managing chronic and complex depression;
• Case Study 2: Managing mental health and physical co-morbidity;
• Case Study 3: Managing post-traumatic stress disorder; and
• Case Study 4: Managing anxiety and substance use in a young person.
  

Resources

• AGPN Primary Mental Health Care
• Australian Psychological Society
• Australian Government Mental Health
  

• RACGP – Mental Health
  
• Better Access Orientation Manual for GPs (developed by AGPN)
• Better Access Orientation Manual for AHPs (Developed by APS)
• Better Access Initiative – item Descriptors (including rebates) for GP Items
• Better Access Initiative – Item Descriptors (including rebates) for AHP items
• Better Access Initiative – Q&As for GPs
• Better Access Initiative – Q&As for AHPs
• Better Access Initiative – Checklist for GP Mental Health Care Items
• Better Access Education and Training Strategy – ALM Pre/Post Tests