General practitioners (GPs) will now be better equipped to manage the mental health of patients who have experienced traumatic events, following the release of a unique online learning program, Managing disaster and trauma-related mental health problems.
The disaster and trauma-related mental health Active Learning Module (ALM) is the culmination of a successful collaboration between the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian Centre for Post-traumatic Mental Health (ACPMH).
The ALM, an accredited online learning program, provides GPs access to the latest evidence-based research and skills to effectively recognise and treat mental health disorders in patients following a traumatic event.
The latest statistics suggest that over half of all Australians will experience a potentially traumatic event in their lifetime resulting in physical, psychological or medical trauma for the patient1.
Associate Professor Darryl Wade from ACPMH, said people experience different psychological reactions in the early days after a traumatic event, and cope differently in the long term.
“In the aftermath of trauma, GPs often play a central role in the detection and diagnosis of mental health problems, as well as in the provision of simple psychological strategies and longer-term treatments.
“Diagnosing and managing mental health is complex and this tool delivers a focus on the knowledge and skills necessary to provide the best possible care to those patients affected by trauma and post-traumatic health problems,” A/Prof Wade said.
Dr Liz Marles, RACGP President said, “Merging the high educational standards and technological capabilities of the RACGP with the clinical expertise of the ACPMH, has seen the development of a practical tool that addresses the needs of GPs providing care at times of difficulty for patients.
“The ALM provides a great opportunity for GPs interested in furthering their education on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues following a traumatic event to easily access and undertake an engaging and increasingly relevant new learning module,” said Dr Marles.
The program, the first of its kind to be delivered by the RACGP’s gplearning platform, is accredited for 40 Category 1 points for completion of the entire ALM or two Category 2 points per hour for individual activities.
Participants undertaking the ALM will address topics including:
- Common reactions following disaster or trauma
- Providing support in the days and weeks following disaster or trauma
- Recognising common mental health problems following disaster and trauma
- Treating common mental health problems following disaster and trauma
This program was made possible through funding by the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA).
To enrol or for more information on the Managing disaster and trauma-related mental health problems visit gplearning.
1. Mills K, McFarlane A, Slade T, Creamer M, Silvone D, Teeson M, et al. Assessing the prevalence of trauma exposure in epidemiological surveys. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2011;45:407-15