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GPMHSC accreditation for individual GP applications

GPs who complete an individual activity for CPD points can apply for mental health accreditation through the GPMHSC providing the activity has a mental health/focussed psychological strategies focus.

Individual learning activities can be used to apply for ‘Mental health CPD' or FPS CPD courses. In some cases, they can also be used to apply for ‘Mental Health Skills Training' if the activity contains the required consumer and carer input.

To provide guidance to GPs who are interested in undertaking an individual activity for mental health accreditation, the GPMHSC has developed information sheets which complement existing resources available from the RACGP and the ACRRM. These documents outline what is required to gain mental health CPD points for activities such as a supervised clinical attachment, small group learning cycle, clinical audit, individual active learning module or research activity.

Supervised clinical attachments
Small group learning
Individual active learning module
Clinical audits
Research activities
Accreditation of individual applications
More information and assistance

Supervised clinical attachments

Supervised clinical attachments are a popular mental health activity. They provide the opportunity for GPs to work directly with a mental health practitioner which can lead to better working relationships between general practice and local mental health services. Mental health services are diverse and offer exposure for GPs to a range of specialists in a variety of settings such as inpatient psychiatric facilities, community mental health teams and drug and alcohol services.

CPD Guidelines - Supervised clinical attachments – available to download at the bottom of the page

Small group learning

Managing mental health cases can be stressful for GPs and small group learning allows participants to debrief with their peers. Small groups have the advantage of being able to set their own learning objectives so sessions can be varied depending on the needs of the group.

The GPMHSC has developed a small group learning support kit titled ‘Using focussed psychological strategies in general practice' which can assist groups in planning for an FPS specific small group.

CPD Guidelines - Small group learning – available to download at the bottom of the page

Using FPS in general practice SGL support kit – available to download at the bottom of the page

^{These materials are copyright The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and may only be reproduced for the purposes of conducting a small group learning session as outlined in this kit.}

Individual active learning module

Individual ALM applications are useful for mental health CPD requirements. Many GPs choose to attend mental health training run through professional colleges or organisations. These courses may be very relevant for GPs who wish to up skill on FPS but have not been approved for QA&CPD points. Individual ALM applications offer GPs the option to gain CPD recognition for attendance at relevant courses.

CPD Guidelines - Active learning modules/Structured learning activities – available to download at the bottom of the page

Clinical audits

Clinical audits provide GPs with the opportunity to systematically review aspects of their own clinical performance in practice, with a focus on quality improvement. This type of learning is particularly useful for those GPs who use their FPS skills frequently in the treatment of mental health patients. GPs can plan their own clinical audit based on their own learning objectives.

CPD Guidelines - Clinical audits – available to download at the bottom of the page

Research activities

The majority of research in mental health care has taken place in the specialist setting. Mental health research activities in general practice not only strengthens the evidence base for primary mental health care; they can also be eligible for mental health accreditation. Research projects with a focus on FPS, where a GP is the principle investigator or a research participant may be eligible for accreditation as an FPS CPD activity.

CPD Guidelines - Research activities – available to download at the bottom of the page

Accreditation of individual applications

Individual learning activities will be assessed by the GPMHSC as to whether it meets the requirements for mental health CPD when GPs return the final report to their QA&CPD/PDP office.

The final report should contain a reasonable level of detail regarding the mental health content of the activity and the aspects of FPS that were addressed.

More information and assistance

If you would like advice on whether your planned learning activity will meet the requirements for mental health accreditation, or would like more information about your options please contact us.

If you would like more advice on applying for individual activities please contact the RACGP or ACRRM CPD Programs.

Last Modified: 13 January 2009
Authorised By: GPMHSC