The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has recently launched a redeveloped website, ‘GP Psych Support’, offering an advisory service for GPs wanting specialist guidance from a psychiatrist in regards to managing the mental health issues of patients in their care.
The newly redeveloped website further enhances accessibility and usability of the existing GP psych support service that has been managed by the RACGP to GPs, GP registrars and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) Australia-wide, since 2006.
Associate Professor Morton Rawlin, GP Psych Support Advisory Group chairman, said the free support service remains a highly valued resource for GPs responsible for providing high quality mental healthcare delivery in every state and territory throughout Australia.
“General practice provides whole patient, coordinated, ongoing healthcare for people with mental health conditions as diverse as depression, social phobia, bereavement, postnatal depression, anxiety disorder, sleep disturbance and bipolar disorder.
“Given the crucial role GPs play in the delivery of early intervention and prevention mental health services, it is vital that support continues to be readily made available to GPs seeking specialist advice on particular mental health matters from medication issues, to general patient management advice,” A/Professor Morton said.
The new GP Psych Support website offers improved usability, function and simple registration making access to the service more streamlined for GPs seeking patient management advice within 24 hours.
GPs with RACGP gplearning/QI&CPD website login details will be able to login to the redeveloped GP Psych Support website using the same login details. Non-members of the College can still use the service, but must have their identity as a GP verified before using this service by calling the RACGP helpdesk on 1800 284 789.
GP Psych Support is an initiative funded by the Department of Health and Ageing as part of its Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care program. The service allows GPs the flexibility to submit enquiries and receive advice within 24 hours from a psychiatrist via phone, fax or secure website.
To access the website visit: www.psychsupport.com.au.