EOI: Lead a mental health innovation in your general practice

In Central Queensland, News, Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay by PHN Communications

Lead mental health innovation in your general practice  

The PHN and the Black Dog Institute have been working for the past two years with general practices across the region to offer the StepCare service – an innovative mental health service that uses digital health technology. 

In that time, over 1400 patients have participated in the initiative, and data shows it has been very valuable in the early detection of anxiety, depression, suicidality and risky drinking 

We are currently seeking interest from five general practices in Central Queensland, Wide Bay or on the Sunshine Coast to run the service.  

If your practice is passionate about new models of care and has a special interest in mental health and digital health, this could be your next great quality improvement opportunity.  

If you are interested and would like to apply, please complete this EOI form.  

Deadline for EOI submissions: 17 November 2020.

How StepCare works

Step 1: Patients fill out a short questionnaire on a mobile tablet in the waiting room. It should only take 4 to 5 minutes and is completely voluntary.

Step 2: GPs receive the results immediately via secure messaging, allowing them to be viewed in the consultation and used to consider treatment options.

Step 3: StepCare sends follow up screening surveys via email or SMS to patients with symptoms every fortnight for 18 weeks with results sent to your inbox, allowing you to track their progress and adjust treatment if needed.

Read more information about the program on the Black Dog Institute’s website here or watch this 1 minute video 

For any inquiries please contact msalvador@ourphn.org.au or contact your practice health care officer.  

Benefits of implementing StepCare in your practice:

  • Assists GPs with early identification and intervention for patients with anxiety, depression and risky drinking,
  • Normalises conversations between GPs and patients about mental health,
  • Provides treatment recommendations matched to symptom severity,
  • Connects patients to e-mental health tools immediately,
  • Enables patient and GP to track progress over time, 
  • Supports best practice, patient-centred care, 
  • RACGP/ACRRM accredited training for practice staff and GPs, 
  • Ongoing support from PHN and Black Dog Institute, 
  • Information resources and promotional materials, 
  • Access to further education related to mental health, 
  • Support with quality improvement activities.