IAR-DST training now available via a mixed learning approach

South Western Sydney PHN (SWSPHN) has added a mixed learning approach to its Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) Decision Support Tool (DST) training, providing greater flexibility and making it easier for busy GPs and practice nurses to access.

 

What’s changing?

Traditionally, IAR training has been comprised of two consecutive one-hour workshops. These workshops are still available. In-house training is also still available.

Now, a mixed learning approach has been added to the training options.

In mixed learning, participants complete workshop one in their own time via a 30-minute e-Learning module developed by the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC), in partnership with OpenLearning and Sydney University.

Once the participant has successfully completed workshop one, they are given the opportunity to register for workshop two which is delivered via Zoom for 90 minutes at a specified time.

 

Why the change?

The changes to training aim to provide greater flexibility for participants.

Some participants don’t have time to attend the full two-hour online/face-to-face live training session. They can now attend workshop one (about 30 minutes) at a time convenient to them through e-Learning, before registering and attending workshop two (about 90 minutes) at a pre-designated time.

At a glance:

Conventional training method	New mixed learning method
2-hours Zoom/face-to-face	30-minutes online + 90 minutes live
Fixed timing	Flexible for workshop one

 

Key features of mixed learning

Workshop one: OpenLearning (theoretical component)

• self-paced and accessible 24/7
• pause and restart at your own pace
• quick, interactive content designed for practical application
• register and start immediately

Workshop two: practical session

• flexible scheduling – participants can now choose from multiple pre-designated times
• small group discussions to enhance learning
• direct access to expert trainers for Q&A.

 

What you need to know

• participants must sign up with OpenLearning to complete workshop one
• all participants must complete workshop one before they can register for workshop two
• all participants must complete both workshops to receive their Certificate of Completion
• upon completion of both workshops, GPs and GP registrars will also receive a one-off $300 incentive payment and CPD hours (1 Educational Activity hour, 1 Review Performance hour)
• GPs, GP registrars and practice nurses who have already completed IAR training do not need to do the training again. You are welcome to re-do the training, but will not be eligible for another certificate, CPD hours or payment

How you access training

• Access mixed learning by joining the online workshop: Initial Assessment and Referral Training – South Western Sydney PHN Online Workshop One | National IAR Training Use access code: swsphn. Once you have successfully completed workshop one, you will be given the opportunity to register for workshop two which is delivered via Zoom.
• Access two-hour live training by visiting the CPD Calendar on the SWSPHN website and registering for a workshop.
• Access in-house training by contacting SWSPHN’s Initial Assessment and Referral Training and Support Officer, Kashish Arora (pictured above), at iar@swsphn.com.au to check availability.

 

About the IAR

How the IAR tool helps

SWSPHN commissions a range of services across the stepped care spectrum to meet the mental health needs of our community.

These include: low-intensity services, psychological therapies, specialised services for children, young people, people with severe mental illness, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, among others.

The IAR-DST is designed to assist the various parties involved in the assessment and referral process to ensure:

• patients are guided to the option which best meets their needs, and has the least burden on them and the health system
• best use is made of the full range of options available to assist people in need in a way which targets resources to where they are needed most

Ultimately, the IAR will help streamline referral pathways and improve service visibility.

 

How it works

An initial assessment is used to gather information from the referrer and patient. The assessment is undertaken across eight domains which aim to describe clinical severity and service needs, and guide decisions on the most appropriate next steps (for example, intervention, further assessment).

Find more information by downloading:

• PHN Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) Snapshot Resource
• Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool
• IAR Decision Support Tool 1.05 documentation

 

Why you should do the training

The IAR-DST, an initiative of DoHAC, is a nationally consistent, evidence-based and objective approach to initial assessment and referral of patients seeking mental health support.

All federally funded mental health services will soon be using the IAR-DST, standardising how referrals are made and making it less likely your referrals will be refused.

Given GPs are often the first contact point when a mental health issue emerges, it is important to ensure you are prepared for the change and are supported in implementing the IAR tool into your daily practice.

The training includes an introduction to IAR; orientation to the domains, levels of care and the decision support tool; information on clinical judgement and supported decision-making; and a practical activity using case studies to the IAR in referral, assessment and intake settings.

 

How do GPs access the tool?

DoHAC is working on digital integration of the IAR-DST into general practice software.

Currently, general practices can access the tool through the:

Online Decision Support Tool

or

Smart Referral Form

or

GP Referral Template, which is compatible with their software, which they will be given after completing the training. The IAR-DST is included in this template.

 

Find out more

If you have any questions, please email iar@swsphn.com.au