The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) emphasizes the crucial role GPs play in the provision of mental health for all Australians despite claims that GPs are ‘not specialists in mental health’.
A report released by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) yesterday acknowledged the role of GPs in delivering and coordinating primary healthcare, however suggested patients with mental health issues should by-pass their GP in favour of mental health specialists.
RACGP President, Dr Liz Marles said the prevalence of mental health is on the rise and patients are increasingly seeking assistance from GPs in the diagnosis and management of mental health issues.
“One in five Australians aged 16–85 years experienced mental health disorders1 with 71% of patients who have a mental illness presenting first to their GP2.
“An estimated 12.1% of general practice encounters were mental health-related in 2011–20123, equating for more than 15 million consultations taking place within general practice per year.
“GPs are specialists in whole person care and often have a well-established relationship with their patients enabling them to provide a non-judgmental and comfortable environment to effectively diagnose and manage the majority of mental health concerns.
“It is known that mental health issues often do not present or act in isolation and are commonly associated with physical comorbidity.
“A GP is in the optimal position to properly address all patient health concerns – without the risk of fragmentation of care – referring to other medical practitioners only when required rather than on a routine basis,” said Dr Marles.
Highlighting the advanced training psychiatrists undertake, the report suggests this training enables more tailored patient treatments and the ability to develop comprehensive diagnosis through time spent with the patient.
As Chair of the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC), the RACGP actively promotes the development and uptake of quality professional development in mental health for GPs.
“Mental health is a core component of general practice with many GPs undertaking advanced training in order to meet increasing community need.
“More than 22,300 Australian GPs have now been trained in mental health skills training (MHST), accredited by GPMHSC, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to provide clinically appropriate mental health advice, diagnosis and management to patients.
“Advanced skills in mental health are especially crucial in rural and remote Australia given the strong prevalence of mental health issues within these communities where GPs are often the only medical health workforce available, said Dr Marles.
The RACGP remains committed to the mental health of all Australians and ensuring GPs are equipped with the appropriate skills and resources to best diagnose and manage mental health conditions.
1National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (2007)
2National Mental Health Report (2010)
3National Mental Health Report (2010)