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EOI extended to new areas for mental health screening and treatment pilot

In Central Queensland, Wide Bay by PHN Communications

Following a significant amount of interest from practices in Central Queensland and Wide Bay an EOI for a mental health trial in general practice has been extended. The PHN is working in partnership with the Black Dog Institute to offer 10 practices in the Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay and Central Queensland areas the opportunity to be involved in an innovative mental health pilot program.

The program will use digital health technology to screen patients in the waiting room and offer treatment options and recommendations to the patient and the GP. The Black Dog Institute is a leader in the field of e-mental health research and develops digital tools to assist with early detection and interventions to promote wellbeing.

The aim of this project is to deliver better screening and treatment to patients. It follows a stepped care approach whereby the patients are recommended treatments based on need and symptoms presented.

The service is designed to allow your practice to support low to moderate intensity mental illness and reflects our PHN’s commitment to help embed online mental health services in primary health care.

The specific benefits of this service include early detection of anxiety, depression, suicidality and risky drinking. For those with mild to moderate issues, it will provide real-time person-centred and evidence-based treatment recommendations to the GP’s desktop. It also allows them to monitor the patient’s online progress, incorporating safety and risk monitoring. These added benefits are possible with a free online service that is integrated into the general practice work flow and clinical software.

Practices now have until 3 June 2018 to submit an EOI through Tenderlink.

 Deadline for Submissions

Applications will close at 5:00pm AEST on Sunday, 3 June 2018.

For more information

Please contact Marco Salvador via email msalvador@ourphn.org.au