ACCESSIBLE TRAINING SOLUTIONS: SUPPORTING RURAL GPS IN THE PROVISION OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN THE AUSTRALIAN CONTEXT

Introduction and Objective Mental illnesses are the largest single cause of disability in Australia, accounting for 24% of the burden of non-fatal disease.(AIHW 2007) Almost half (45%) of the population will experience a mental illness in their lifetime, one in five experience a mental health issue each year. (ABS 2009) Mental health can account for a large part of a GPs working hours, and in a rural context GPs may be the only available workforce providing front-line services. This presentation is focused on the skills and supports GPs in rural Australia need to enable the provision of high quality, patient-centred, integrated mental health care. Method Recent RACGP research found that mental health advanced skills are among the most needed in rural communities - ranked first out of 17 procedural and non-procedural skills areas.(RACGP 2014) More broadly, the research identified barriers and enablers for rural GPs to access training and utilise advanced skillsets. In addressing these training barriers, this presentation focuses on modular approaches to training, accessible to the rural GP, which can provide a clear, viable mental health skill acquisition pathway. A multi-modal approach is demonstrated encompassing technology, peer networks and local expertise that enables training without travel or time away from their community. Results and conclusions There is already a significant unmet need for mental health care, and this is only going to increase. Primary care provides an important opportunity for early intervention, and GPs as the leaders of the multidisciplinary team must be supported in accessing the upskilling opportunities they need to meet community needs.