Mental health
2011–2013 – Information for Training Providers
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GPMHSC Standards 2011 - 2013
Levels of GPMHSC accredited mental health
training
GPMHSC accreditation process for mental
health training activities
Requirements for re-accreditation of
training activities for 2011 – 2013 triennium
Resources and 2011 – 2013 application
forms
The 'Framework for Professional Development in Mental Health for GPs 2011 - 2013' defines the standards for training organisations seeking accreditation from the GPMHSC for their mental health education activities.
The GPMHSC accredits education and training programs under the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care Program, and Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative. Generally, GPMHSC accreditation is an indicator of quality and relevance to general practice which guides GPs in selecting professional development in mental health.
The 'Framework for professional development for GPs in mental health 2011 – 2013' includes an overview of each of the levels of mental health accreditation. Learning objectives for each level of course are also included which allows training providers to plan their education activities to meet the GPMHSC standards.
The GPMHSC encourages all training providers to utilise the Framework when designing their activities and can it be downloaded at the bottom of the page.
Unlike the QI&CPD/PDP Program of the GP colleges where CPD is measured in ‘points', the mental health special interest area works on GPs achieving and maintaining ‘levels' of training.
Programs accredited as Mental health skills training (previously called Level One Mental Health Skills Training) must address the knowledge and skill areas associated with completing and reviewing GP Mental Health Treatment Plans.
Programs accredited as Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) skills training (previously called Level Two Mental Health Skills Training) are more specific - they teach GPs skills in providing focussed psychological strategies to patients.
There are four categories in which training providers can seek accreditation of their programs, summarised in the table below.
Accreditation category |
General objectives |
Minimum duration |
Activity Format |
Consumer and carer involvement |
MHST |
Provides training in mental health assessment, treatment planning and review for mental disorders commonly presenting in general practice |
6 hours |
Any interactive, structured learning format with pre-disposing and reinforcing elements |
Required for accreditation |
MH CPD |
Extends MHST, augmenting skills in assessing and treating mental disorders |
6 hours |
Any interactive, structured learning format with pre-disposing and reinforcing elements |
Recommended |
FPS ST |
Develops skills in provision of evidence based FPS as part of a treatment plan for common mental disorders |
20 hours |
At least 12 hours supervised face to face training, with the balance via any interactive, structured learning format. Also requires predisposing and reinforcing elements |
Required for accreditation |
FPS CPD |
Extends FPS ST and strengthens skills in the provision of FPS |
6 hours |
Any interactive, structured learning format with pre-disposing and reinforcing elements |
Recommended |
To register as a provider of focussed psychological strategies GPs must complete a GPMHSC accredited Mental Health Skills Training Course and Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) Skills Training Course. More information on the training pathway to register as a provider of FPS.
More information on how to apply for accreditation.
Consumer and Carer guidelines
Mental health skills training and FPS skills training requires the participation of consumers (i.e. people who have personal experience of mental illness) and non-professional carers (people who have person experience of caring for someone with a mental illness through a familial or social relationship) in the development, review and delivery of the program. For further information on the consumer and carer guidelines, please visit section 7.1 of the framework document which is available to download at the bottom of the page.
If you have a question about the GPMHSC standards for mental health training for GPs please contact us.
What is the process for adjudication?
How long does accreditation take?
How much does it cost?
What if accreditation is declined?
How often do activities need to be reaccredited?
Important points when applying for GPMHSC
accreditation
GPMHSC accrediting mental health activities
information sheet
What is the process for adjudication?
Prerequisite for GPMHSC accreditation
All courses accredited with the GPMHSC must be accredited by the RACGP QI&CPD Program and or ACRRM PD Program as a Category 1 (or equivalent) activity. Successful accreditation with either College's program must be secured before the GPMHSC can adjudicate the activity.
Application forms
The GPMHSC has developed an application form to allow providers to seek accreditation with the RACGP, ACRRM and GPMHSC using the same form.
For accreditation, providers need to complete the sections relevant to either the RACGP and/or ACRRM depending on whether accreditation from both colleges is required. The mental health sections also need to be completed.
This form should be submitted directly to the relevant college(s) for accreditation. Please note: If the form is submitted to the GPMHSC it will be forwarded directly to the relevant college CPD programs for adjudication before the application is sent to the GPMHSC Committee for adjudicaiton.
Download a copy of the Application forms.
Need advice?
The GPMHSC Secretariat is able to provide advice and guidance for training providers wanting to submit an application for GPMHSC accreditation.
If you have a question on the accreditation process please contact us, the RACGP or ACRRM CPD Programs.
How long does accreditation take?
Training providers should generally allow 6 to 8 weeks for accreditation of Mental health skills training, or FPS skills training as activities need prior accreditation with the RACGP and/or ACRRM before they are adjudicated by the GPMHSC.
The GPMHSC meets approximately every six to eight weeks and adjudicates applications during Committee meetings. If required draft applications should be submitted to the GPMHSC Secretariat by the advertised closing date for draft applications. Final applications are required from providers by the advertised closing dates final application for inclusion in the next meetings agenda.
How much does it cost?
While all costs associated with preparing and submitting an application are the responsibility of the training provider, there are no fees payable to the GPMHSC for accreditation of training. Fees may apply to accreditation from the RACGP and/or ACRRM, which is a prerequisite.
What if accreditation is declined?
The GPMHSC does on occasion decline accreditation. If this occurs, the reasons will be provided to the training provider, who is then able to re-submit a revised application addressing the issues raised following initial adjudication.
If the training provider disagrees with the GPMHSC's assessment of their application, an appeal can be initiated by writing to the GPMHSC Appeals Officer, care of the Secretariat, and outlining the reasons for the appeal.
How often do activities need to be re-accredited?
The GPMHSC reviews its standards for mental health training for GPs every three years in line with the RACGP/ACRRM triennium. GPMHSC accreditation is valid for a triennium.
Just as training providers need to reaccredit activities with the RACGP and ACRRM CPD programs at the start of each triennium, the GPMHSC requires training providers to re-accredit their activities for adjudication against the updated standards.
See below for information on the requirements for re-accreditation.
Important points when applying for GPMHSC accreditation
Final applications must be submitted to the GPMHSC Secretariat by 9am Melbourne time on the due date to ensure that the application is placed on the agenda for adjudication by the GPMHSC Committee at the meeting.
2011 Committee meetings dates and closing dates for applications are available on the following webpage: http://www.racgp.org.au/gpmhsc
Late applications will generally be held over to the following meeting. At the discretion of the GPMHSC Secretariat, following discussion with training providers, training applications may be held over to the next face to face meeting of the GPMHSC, when teleconference meeting agendas are full.
Please note:
- All applications are treated as confidential by the GPMHSC Secretariat and Committee.
- All applications are adjudicated by the GPMHSC Committee members during Committee meetings.
- Applications must have accreditation with the RACGP and / or ACRRM, prior to submission to the GPMHSC. Applications must be submitted on a GPMHSC dual application form.
- The GPMHSC will not consider applications for accreditation of training that has been conducted, prior to the meeting date.
- No activity should be publicised by training providers as a GPMHSC accredited activity, unless written confirmation of accreditation by the GPMHSC has been received.
- All training providers will be advised of the adjudication outcome by the GPMHSC Secretariat within 1-2 days following the meeting. Formal written correspondence will be provided up to 10 days following the meeting.
- Adjudication of training activities does not automatically guarantee accreditation.
Training providers with activities accredited in the 2008 – 2010 triennium and plan to continue delivering these activities during the 2011 – 2013 triennium will need to apply to the GPMHSC for re-accreditation.
Training providers seeking re-accreditation will need to meet the following GPMHSC requirements:
- Submit a completed 2011 – 2013 dual application form to the RACGP and/or ACRRM for prior adjudication. Once accredited with the relevant College, these activities will be forwarded to the GPMHSC for adjudication during Committee meetings.
- With the application, training Providers will need to submit a covering letter with the completed dual application form outlining any changes to the version of the course that was accredited in the 2008 – 2010 triennium.
- Forward a copy of the evaluation reports containing aggregated data from the training activities conducted in the 2008 – 2010 triennium. Applications will need to be adjudicated by the GPMHSC during Committee meetings.
