Improving Practice

We have maintained strong interest in education sessions for primary health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering a wide range of workforce development opportunities. These have included continuing professional development, the Peer Group Learning program, in-practice training on Domestic Violence, Paediatric and Disability education sessions, nurse education, commissioned training and clinical leaders’ network.  

We have successfully returned to some ‘in person’ events, which have been excellent networking opportunities however most events remain as online webinars. The Antenatal Shared Care update with the Royal Hospital for Women was run as a hybrid event, with some online attendees joining their colleagues attending in person.

Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool GP Training Project (IAR)

In the 2021-22 Budget, the Australian Government announced dedicated funding to expand and implement the Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) for mental healthcare in primary care settings to support General Practitioners (GPs) and clinicians to learn about, use and embed the IAR-DST in clinical practice.

A pilot GP training session in the use of the IAR-DST was held in October 2021, facilitated by the National IAR Project Manager, Jenni Campbell, with representatives of the Australian Department of Health also in attendance. The session was a huge success and a significant learning opportunity to shape the roll out of ongoing training across the CESPHN region, and nationally.