The General Practice Mental Health Training Framework

The General Practice Mental Health Training Framework

The framework provides an overview of the different levels of training and education recommended by the GPMHSC before GPs can provide different levels of mental health care in general practice (Table 2). The pathway for GP mental health training and education is shown in Figure 1.

The framework assumes that, having completed undergraduate and pre-vocational training, GPs have achieved entry-level proficiency in the following areas:

• general clinical skills, including communication, cultural competency and recording of patients’ medical history
• knowledge of the general aetiology, epidemiology and prevalence of mental illness in the community
• knowledge of the principles of psychiatric assessment and diagnosis
• knowledge of common evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments.

Table 2. General Practice Mental Health Training Framework

Level 1: Mental Health Skills Training (MHST)
Action Complete one of the following:	Outcomes GPs should be able to:	Recognition GPs can access MBS item numbers:
MHST Primary Pathway § Targeted at general practice registrars and other doctors entering Australian general practice	§ undertake mental health assessments for common mental illnesses in the context of general practice and § develop and review GP MHTPs	2715 2717
MHST Modular Pathway § Complete a core module and a clinical enhancement module § Targeted at GPs who are more experienced or have particular interests	§ undertake mental health assessments for common and more complex mental illnesses/specific population groups in general practice and § develop and review GP MHTPs
Level 2: Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training (FPS ST)
Action	Outcomes GPs should be able to:	Recognition GPs can access MBS item numbers:
§ Complete FPS ST (Prerequisite: Level 1 MHST)	§ provide cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT) to patients eligible for treatment under the Better Access initiative in the context of general practice	2721 2723 2725 2727 plus registration with Medicare as a GP provider of FPS

FPS ST, Focussed Psychological Strategies; FPS ST, Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training; GP MHTP, General Practice Mental Health Treatment Plan

FPS, Focussed Psychological Strategies; MBS, Medicare Benefits Schedule; MH CPD, Mental Health Continuing Professional Development; MHST, Mental Health Skills Training

Figure 1. GPMHSC-accredited pathway for GP mental health training and education

How GPs choose courses from the framework

We encourage GPs to:

• complete a variety of mental health courses that refresh and broaden their undergraduate and pre-vocational skills and knowledge in primary mental health
• include MH CPD in the course of their regular professional development, considering the profile of their practice, so that their mental health skills and knowledge remain up to date.

If GPs need advanced skills in mental health care, we encourage them to select relevant courses as referred to in the Advanced Mental Health Skills Acknowledgement Position Statement.

GPs can use the framework to plan their professional development in mental health at different stages during their career.

Additional GPMHSC information FAQs – Mental health education and training.  FAQs – Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) items.

Exemption from completing MHST and FPS ST

Although the GPMHSC strongly recommends that all GPs complete accredited MHST or FPS ST, if a GP believes they can demonstrate that they have achieved the learning outcomes of MHST (Primary Pathway or Modular Pathway) or FPS ST without completing a course, they can apply for an exemption.

If the GPMHSC grants them exemption, the GP can gain access to the relevant MBS items.

Additional GPMHSC information Exemption from accredited mental health training.