Mental Health / Connecting Minds

Overview

Connecting Minds provides a range of programs and services to assist General Practice provide better care for people with a mental illness. These services are funded by Federal or State Government sources and supported by the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) and General Practice Queensland (GPQ).

Objectives

The key objective of the Connecting Minds Program is to provide and coordinate the range of support services and training for General Practice to improve health outcomes for patients with mental health related needs. Connecting Minds also aims to establish strong networks within General Practice and the Community to support those living with or caring for people with mental illness.

Program Details

Better Outcomes in Mental Health (BOiMH)

This program is funded by the Australian Government and aims to support GPs in improving the quality of care provided through general practice to Australians with a mental health disorder. This is achieved through the provision of mental health education and training for GPs and more support for their patients from allied health professionals and psychiatrists. GPs can refer eligible patients to appropriately trained allied health providers to support patients who would otherwise be disadvantaged in accessing these services. Brisbane South Division of General Practice has also contracted the services of a Vietnamese speaking psychologist, and a specialist child and family therapist. Better Outcomes in Mental Health Page to find out more

Better Access to Mental Health Care

The Australian Government introduced important new Medicare items to provide better and more affordable mental health care. These new Medicare services promote a team approach to mental health care, with general practitioners encouraged to work with psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and other allied mental health professionals to increase the availability of care. Better Access to Mental Health page to find out more.

General Practice Liaison Assessment Service (GLAS)

GLAS is an innovative program facilitating GP referrals for “one off assessment and management plans” by Psychiatrists, for patients with mental health problems, where appropriate. GLAS is a jointly developed program by Brisbane South Division of General Practice and Belmont Private Hospital. GLAS home

Partners in Mind

The Partners in Mind project brought a range of Primary Mental Health Care stakeholders together, to identify best practice principles and systems for the provision of Primary Mental Health Care in Queensland. The Project provides support to establish shared care arrangements and build partnerships between Queensland Health Mental Health Service Delivery, General Practice and community services. Partners in Mind page for more information

The ‘Can Do’ Initiative

The initiative promotes a ‘can do’ approach to General Practice to meet the challenge of mental health and substance use and focuses on education, training and networking between two multi-disciplinary teams of health professionals, namely:
• General Practice Teams
• Community Health Teams (especially those engaged in alcohol, drug and mental health service delivery as well as community pharmacy)
The 'Can Do' Initiative page for more information

Mental Health Nurse Initiative

Brisbane South Division of General Practice (BSDGP) has established a model to engage Mental Health Nurses to work from general practices that do not have the patient numbers, infrastructure or do not wish to employ their own Mental Health Nurse. These nurses will provide coordinated clinical care and treatment for people with severe mental disorders.
Mental Health Nurse Initiative page for more information

Program Achievements

The Program has been successful in establishing strong linkages with the Princess Alexandra Hospital Mental Health Service and other community services. General Practices within the Division are consulted regarding Mental Health Services and provide positive contributions to improve outcomes for patients.

Patient referrals continue to increase for both the BOiMH and Better Access programs. GPs continue to use available MBS Items to support patient care and service delivery, including GP Mental Health Care Plans and related referrals to allied health mental health professionals and provide ongoing reviews.

Education workshops are accessed by general practice staff, community allied health professionals and Hospital staff from both the Public and Private sector. Thus providing a forum for sharing of knowledge and experiences to further improve patient care outcomes.