• Overview
• Objectives
• Program detail
• Achievements
• Resources
• Further Information

Overview

During 2005-2006, GPQ, with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (AGDHA) and Queensland Health (QH), coordinated the Partners in Mind (PIM) initiative.  The initial focus of PIM was to develop a primary mental health care framework, and achieved this through extensive consultation across the sector.

In 2007, implementation commenced in seven demonstration sites and a state-wide coordinator was established at GPQ. 

QH recently provided substantial funding to GPQ to support the implementation of the Framework. In 2009, the PIM initiative will see a total of twelve sites implementing elements of the Framework, building on the experience of the initial seven demonstration sites.  Capacity funding for the divisions of general practice and new QH positions will enhance joint work between the public mental health services and general practitioners.

The twelve implementation sites across Queensland are:
Townsville, Rockhampton, Emerald, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane North, Brisbane South, Ipswich, Logan, Gold Coast, Cairns, Bayside and Moreton Bay.

Objectives

In developing the Framework for Primary Mental Health Care, GPQ 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 Framework’s overall aim is to improve outcomes for people with a mental illness by working towards the ‘ideal’ PMHC sector.  The Framework identifies the ideal PMHC sector as being one where all available resources are utilized as effectively as possible; services are interconnected and work well together to ensure clients can easily navigate the system and do not fall through the 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 of Partners in Mind is to improve linkages between and increase capacity of District Mental Health Services (DMHS) and divisions of general practice in the twelve identified sites, so they can effectively implement elements of the Framework.  Effective implementation will lead to improved outcomes for people with a mental illness by working towards the ideal PMHC sector as described above.  

The Framework is now used as a broader reference document, to which PIM and future programs and/or organisations may aspire.

Program detail

The PIM initiative consists of six action areas, which are:

1. Partnership and Joint Planning
2. Education and Training
3. Resource Development
4. Policy, Processes and Procedures
5. Establishing New Positions/Programs
6.  Linking With Existing Initiatives/Programs

Implementation of the project is the joint responsibility of the local divisions and DMHS.  The PIM sites are supported by the state-wide coordinator at GPQ and the PIM website (currently under review), which contains useful information and resources and will be updated throughout the course of the project.  The current funding period ceases in October 2010.  An evaluation is planned and findings will be shared across Queensland’s PMHC sector in the hope of encouraging further implementation of the Framework and to facilitate shared care in local areas.  For further information, refer to the PIM website www.partnersinmind.com.au

Achievements

State-wide positions: Established a state-wide position at both GPQ & QH to support the implementation of PIM in all sites across Queensland.

The PIM initiative has produced the Queensland Framework for Primary Mental Health Care (referred to as ‘the Framework’ above).

The number of PIM sites has increased, bringing the total from 7 in the first phase, to 12 sites for the current phase.

Primary Care Liaison Officer (PCLO): The PCLO position was established by QH, as part of the Queensland Plan for Mental Health 2007-2017.  PCLOs will primarily support and enhance the capacity of private mental health care service providers to respond to the needs of people with mental health problems and disorders through developing partnerships, strengthening linkages, facilitating joint planning, improving processes and procedures, providing education and professional advice, establishing new programs and improving the use of existing resources.  The PCLO will lead the implementation of PIM in partnership with the local DGP.

Partners in Mind Planning & Implementation Guide: The guide will provide detailed and practical information regarding planning, strategies, implementation and evaluation.  The Partners in Mind Guide will be available in early 2010.

Website:The PIM website is currently being reviewed and will be maintained and updated on an ongoing basis.  

Evaluation: Phase 1 evaluation is available here. GPQ and QH are working closely together to develop Phase 2 of the evaluation.  Phase 2 is due to commence in early 2010.

Site visits: GPQ and QH will arrange joint site visits to each of the PIM sites in early 2010. 

Resources

• Partners in Mind website resources
• Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program - Feasibility Study
• Partners in Mind website links 

Further Information

Please contact Angela Jégou, Program Coordinator - Partners in Mind at ajegou@gpqld.com.au