This content is part of a paid partnership with the Rural Clinical School of WA.
General Practitioners are set to benefit from a new accredited training course designed to enhance their skills in diagnosing and treating patient depression and suicidal behaviour.
The GP Management of Patient Depression and Suicidality Course is being delivered across Perth during February and March in a mix of online modules and face-to-face workshops. Both options are applicable for CPD hours.
Developed by the Rural Clinical School of WA (RCSWA) Lead Psychiatrist Dr Mat Coleman, the course has been informed by RCSWA GP medical educators, psychiatrists, psychologists, an Aboriginal community cultural specialist, and people with lived experience.
The project is being delivered by RCSWA Regional Training Hubs and the WA Primary Health Alliance with support from the UWA Suicide Prevention and Resilience Research Centre (SPARRC), RACGP and ACRRM.
Each workshop will be facilitated by a Psychiatrist and GP to ensure a blend of clinical expertise and practical insights through case discussions.
Dr Coleman said GPs were well-placed to deliver education and support.
“Our GPs are not only excellent clinicians, they’re also expert educators,” he said.
“Their skills are second to none. This course builds on those skills using real-life case discussions, helping GPs refine their mental health care strategies.”
WA Primary Health Alliance Suicide Prevention Lead for Country South Jacqui Jennings said the structure of the course is informed by the internationally recognised European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD) four-pillar framework.
“The first pillar is all about improving care for people with mild to moderate depression, aiming to prevent suicidal behaviour – this is where GPs can make a significant difference,” she said.
Workshop locations and dates:
- Joondalup, Wednesday 5 March, Joondalup Resort – The Quarry Room
- Applecross, Thursday 6 March, Raffles Hotel – The Kitson Room
- Guildford, Wednesday 12 March, Rose & Crown Hotel
- Joondalup, Thursday 13 March, Joondalup Resort – The Quarry Room
- Mandurah, Wednesday 19 March, WOTSO – 22 Ormsby Terrace
- Rockingham, Thursday 20 March, Quest Rockingham
Six online modules taking around 90 minutes total to complete are also on offer. They include:
- Recognition and assessment of depression
- Interventions for effective treatment
- Suicidality, suicide risk assessment and prevention
- Groups requiring special consideration
- GP wellbeing and supports
- Practice resources, clinical practice guidelines, and local resources
Geraldton-based GP Dr Pippin Holmes facilitated a recent workshop and said it was great having so many engaged colleagues share experiences and clinical scenarios on this important topic.
“I think even the most experienced GPs walked away with a handful of tips and tricks to support their ongoing practice,” Dr Holmes said.
You can find more information and register here.