The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) have joined together to ensure Victorian GPs and Psychiatrists are best placed to tend to the unique healthcare needs of refugees and asylum seekers.
The 'Mental Health of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Understanding, Recognising, Treating workshop', to be held at RACGP House 31 August, will explore the main issues faced by refugees and asylum seekers resettling in Australia.
RACGP President, Dr Liz Marles said it is vital all healthcare professionals are vigilant of the unique physical and mental conditions that typically present in these vulnerable populations.
“Refugees and asylum seekers have likely experienced traumatic events prior to arrival in Australia and difficult circumstances upon settling, both of which can have a significant effect on mental and physical wellbeing.
“It is important GPs and Psychiatrists are on the lookout for signs of trauma and mental illness and confident in their ability to provide appropriate care.
“The workshop will inform participants of the main challenges faced by GPs and Psychiatrists when treating refugees and how to best overcome any cultural, language and religious barriers they may encounter to ensure the best possible delivery of care,” said Dr Marles.
RANZCP President, Dr Murray Patton said it is important GPs and Psychiatrists remain in close communication regarding the wellbeing of refugee and asylum seeker patients.
“GPs are the gateway to the mental health system while Psychiatrists provide the expert level of care needed to manage the more serious mental health issues.
“Together GPs and Psychiatrists can make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of refugees and asylum seekers,” Dr Patton said.
Presentations will focus on topics surrounding mental health issues faced by children and adults in detention, experiences of healthcare providers and issues they may face and common mental disorders seen in forced migrants and patients held in detention centres.
The workshop will open with a presentation from guest speaker, Barat Ali Batoor, award winning photographer and refugee.