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 You should be able to:	Recognition You 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 within the context of general practice and develop and review GP MHTPs
Level 2: Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training (FPS ST)
Action	Outcomes You should be able to:	Recognition You can access MBS item numbers:
Complete FPS ST (Prerequisite: Level 1 MHST)	provide cognitive behavioural therapy or interpersonal therapy 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