A mental health (MH) care conference was held in Bondi last month by the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN). The conference attracted over 200 attendees from various parts of the country and overseas, including a representative from the Division’s mental health team.

Of particular note are changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) aimed at improved targeting and quality of primary mental health services to those most in need. As indicated in the recent budget, these measures will apply from 1 July 2009 and consist of three elements:

1. Change of name from (GP) ‘Mental Health Care Plan’ to ‘Mental Health Treatment Plan’;

2. GPs to document a diagnosis of a mental health disorder within the MH Plan (as above);

3. A new MBS item for GPs who have not completed Level 1 Mental Health Skills training.

Please note that the third component will be implemented from 1 January 2010 to allow sufficient time for GPs to undertake the necessary training. GPs who have not completed the training will still be able to refer patients to allied mental health professionals as per current arrangements so that patients requiring these services are not disadvantaged. Under the new arrangements, a lower MBS item for care plans will be established for GPs who have not completed the required training; services provided by those GPs who have completed this training will attract the current, higher Medicare rebate as recognition of skills and incentive.

Other various facts and figures quoted at this forum highlight the need for continuing care and attention to the mental health needs of our patients and the community at large.

Paul Dillon from the National Cannabis Prevention & Information Centre reported that statistics show a downturn in many areas of drug use apart from ecstasy which is on the rise as the drug of choice in Australia. Mr Dillon also noted that use of marijuana is increasing in young men, which is a concern especially considering the mental health complications inherent with this drug, including schizophrenia. Paul regularly appears in the media and is regarded as a key social commentator, for further information please visit the Drug and Alcohol Research Training Australia (DARTA) website: http://www.darta.net.au/.

Jeff Cheverton from Queensland Alliance stated that 37% of the population are taking prescribed medication for mental health and co-morbidity issues, but alcohol is still the greatest challenge we face in the misuse of drugs arena. Jeff also talked about advertising to reduce mental health stigma in the community which has proven effective, particularly in NZ and Europe. These campaigns highlight the importance of community acceptance as an integral part of the journey for mentally ill persons, and its role in the recovery process. Advertising to reduce stigma has also been shown to save money by reducing the overall need for ongoing support and even treatment, as there is better general knowledge and a supportive community outlook to assist with a culture of wellness. For further information please visit: www.qldalliance.org.au; www.likeminds.org.nz; and www.justlikeme.org.uk.

Colleen Krestensen, Assistant Secretary from the Department of Health and Ageing, Mental Health and Suicide Programs noted that only 35% of people with a mental disorder are receiving treatment. This illustrates the need for a more proactive approach to the management of mentally ill patients and their role in the community.

Other key note speakers included; Wendy McCarthy, Business Mentor and Chair of Headspace, John Mendoza, Chair of the Mental Health Advisory Council to the Minister, and Dr Grant Blashki, a Senior Research Fellow who spoke on climate change and mental health. All the key note speakers were highly regarded and provided diverse and thought-provoking presentations.

If you require more information regarding the forum, including access to presentations, please visit the AGPN website at: www.primarymentalhealth.com.au or email mcollett@agpn.com.au

For further details regarding the Capricornia Mental Health Partnerships (CaMHP), Level 1 Mental Health training and other local mental health resources please contact the Division’s Mental Health Team via email at ajonesfield@capdivgp.com  or phone (07) 4921 7712.