Overview
Queensland Health (QH) has recently provided substantial funding to General Practice Queensland (formally known as the Queensland Divisions of General Practice or QDGP) to support the implementation of the Queensland Framework for Primary Mental Health Care (referred to as the Partners in Mind (PIM) Framework hereafter) in seven ‘demonstration site’ locations across Queensland, and to establish a state-wide support position at QDGP. The seven demonstration sites are; Townsville, Rockhampton, Emerald, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane North, Brisbane South, and Ipswich. These sites were selected because of their significant input into the development of the PIM Framework and have established solid foundations for enhancing joint work between public mental health services and general practitioners.
During 2005-2006, QDGP, with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (AGDHA) and QH, coordinated the PIM initiative. The focus of PIM was to develop the PIM Framework through extensive consultation across the sector.
Objectives
In developing the PIM Framework, General Practice Queensland brought a range of Primary Mental Health Care (PMHC) stakeholders together, to identify best practice principles and systems for the provision of PMHC in Queensland. The PIM Framework’s overall aim is to improve outcomes for people with a mental illness by working towards the ‘ideal’ PMHC sector. The PIM Framework identifies the ideal Primary Mental Health Care (PMHC) sector as being one where all available resources are utilised as effectively as possible; services are interconnected and work well together to ensure clients can easily navigate the system and do not fall through gaps; provides evidence-based services to address client needs; works to identify linkages which are funded and supported; and there are enough resources to meet local demand.
The overall objective of the implementation project is to improve linkages between and increase capacity of District Mental Health Services (DMHS) and Divisions of General Practice (DGP) in the seven identified demonstration sites, so that they can effectively implement the PIM Framework. Effective implementation of the PIM Framework will lead to improved outcomes for people with a mental illness by working towards the ideal PMHC sector, as described above.
Program Detail
The PIM Framework consists of three components, including; a local implementation tool, a state-wide reform guide, and a broader reference document which underpins the different elements of the framework. The PIM Framework builds on the General Practice and Psychiatry Partnerships Project (GPAPP), which is a previous QH funded state-wide shared care pilot project, and will progress the mental health components identified in the General Practice Queensland-QH Joint Workplan.
Implementation of the project will be the joint responsibility of the local DGPs and DMHS. The demonstration sites will be supported by the state-wide coordinator at General Practice Queensland and the PIM website, which contains useful information and resources and will be updated throughout the course of the project. The implementation project commenced on 1st July 2007 and will continue for approximately 12 months. Findings will be shared across Queensland’s PMHC sector in the hope of encouraging further DGPs and DMHSs to use the PIM Framework to facilitate shared care in their local area. For further information, refer to the PIM website www.partnersinmind.com.au
Achievements
The PIM project has produced the Queensland Framework for Primary Mental Health Care (referred to as the Partners in Mind (PIM) Framework above) and General Practice Queensland has recently secured substantial funding through Queensland Health to pilot implementation of the PIM Framework with seven demonstration sites.
Resources
Partners in Mind website resources
Links
Partners in Mind website links
Feedback
Karen Hale-Robertson
Senior Program Leader - Mental Health
Email: khale-robertson@gpqld.com.au
Phone: 07 3105 8300