Mental Health Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) GP Consultation Session 1

What is Initial Assessment and Referral?

Initial assessment and Referral (IAR) is an initiative of the Australia Government Department of Health (AG DoH). It brings together information from various sources, including Australian and international evidence following extensive national consultations. An expert advisory group with representatives from RACGP, APS, RANZCP and other peaks provided advice and input into the development of the National PHN Guidance and the IAR Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST). A snapshot of IAR is available here.

What are the benefits of implementing IAR-DST?

The AG DoH has funded all Primary Health Networks (PHNs) to implement IAR-DST nationally to support:

• standardisation of mental health referrals across the sector
• streamlining referral pathways
• enable data capture to inform service planning and reform for locally responsive services
• delivery of person centred care
• reduce duplication of assessments and data collection

What does IAR-DST implementation in Tasmania involve?

Primary Health Tasmania has employed a community Dr Anna Seth, and IAR Training Support Officer Paul Richards to –

• undertake stakeholder consultations to understand opportunities and challenges in implementation
• deliver localised IAR training to Tasmanian GPs, other clinicians and community sector organisation staff
• provide post IAR training support to local clinicians and other mental health staff and gather feedback
• facilitate activities to collaborate, build and strengthen multi-disciplinary practice such as communities of practice
• liaise with other Training Support Officers nationally to develop and promote standardised resources
• support the integration of IAR in clinical practice and services

What is the objective of the consultations?

We are seeking your valuable input to shape how IAR implementation will be undertaken in Tasmania. The consultations are an opportunity to capture your expertise, identify opportunities for collaboration, and understand the challenges in your sector to inform this work.

This work is a part of Tasmania’s regional mental health plan – Rethink 2020 which is being implemented in partnership with Department of Health, Tasmania and the Tasmanian Health Service

How can I participate in the consultations?

We invite you to participate by attending our consultation sessions. Please click on links below to view session times and RSVP –

• Consultations for GPs

Once you RSVP, a calendar invite will be sent out with further details

Can’t attend the scheduled consultations but would like to have a say?

We understand that everyone’s schedules are busy and may not allow participation in pre scheduled sessions. You can still have your say by –

• Completing this quick survey
• Or contact Paul Richards on 6213 8200 or email prichards@primaryhealthtas.com.au

Where can I find out more?

If you’d like to find out more about the IAR and its implementation in Tasmanian, please email IAR@primaryhealthtas.com.au or call 03 6213 8200 to speak to Paul Richards or Dr Anna Seth.

You can also access:

• The Australian Government Department of Health National Primary Health Network Guidance: Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) for Mental Healthcare
• The Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool
• Initial Assessment and Referral Snapshot
• Common Assessment and Referral (CARe) Project