- Key principles
- Background information
- Best practice principles for effective communication
- Communication methods
- Overcoming barriers to communication
- Appendix A: Referral and reporting obligations under Better Access
- Referrer obligations
- Obligations of service providers
Risk of harm
Current or past history of risk of harm to self or others has important implications for the management of a patient. In the event that a patient has previously demonstrated, or currently presents with, a risk of harm to self or others, the treating professional will need to consider a process for ongoing risk assessment and develop an appropriate management plan to reduce risk. For some patients, referral to specialised services or inpatient services may be necessary. Furthermore, for a number of mental health difficulties, knowledge of a chronic history of risk may provide further information about how the individual presents when in crisis and how to counteract or best contain risk in the community.
Principle 10: Risk assessment and planning
Health professionals conduct regular risk assessments, provide risk management plans and share information with other treating professionals as appropriate.