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Mental health

mrec_course_mental_health Our Mental Health Disorders Training for Rural Practitioners course is delivered online throughout the year. This course offers you a unique approach to training in mental health disorders. The content was developed for you by leading general practitioners, mental health nurses, carers, consumers, psychiatrists and psychologists who are committed to mental health care and primary medical care.

The course addresses the skills required for effective treatment in mental health, and is focused around the three tasks of mental health care:

assessment
planning, and
review.

Accreditation

After successfully completing the course your attendance will be reported to the GPMHSC then Medicare, which should allow you access to Medicare item numbers 2715 and 2717.

Professional Development Program

20 Practice Reflective Professional Development (PRPD) points, and
MHST MOPS.

Aims and objectives

The course aims [more]

to increase the capacity of rural medical practitioners in mental health care
to increase the availability of rural medical practitioners trained in mental health for patients in rural and remote areas
to improve rural medical practitioners skill in educating patients about mental disorders, and
to develop networks of rural medical practitioners interested in mental health care who can offer peer support and discussion.

The course learning objectives [more]

assess a patient with depression, anxiety, or somatisation disorder
assess suicidal risk and institute appropriate preventive strategies on an individual and community level
describe a range of psychotherapeutic techniques appropriate for use in general practice
identify the issues and resources available for patients with physical or substance use comorbidity
identify formal and informal resources available locally and by distance for their patients and carers and families
apply mental health education resources for patients in an individualised way
acquire the knowledge to prepare mental health care plans for patients
help patients develop and institute a personal relapse prevention plan, and
develop an on-going learning plan to continue your mental health education.

View the full course brochure.

Requirements

You can participate in our real-time virtual classroom from the comfort of your home or practice. The emphasis of the course is on interactive participation and reflective learning. There are six weekly sessions that consist of self directed activities, via our online learning platform - RRMEO, and peer discussions, hosted via virtual classroom. Assessment and evaluation will consist of a number of activities:

participation in five of the six virtual classroom sessions (at least two that are missed can be made up by watching the recording of the session)
completion of the Learner Needs and Expectation Survey
completion of the Barriers to Mental Health Care in the Rural Setting activity
completion of the reflective activity after each online session
completion of the Course Evaluation, and
participation in discussion forums.

System Requirements

To participate in ACRRM virtual classrooms via a Mac or Windows based computer:

install the Blackboard Collaborate Launcher for Windows (PC) or OSX (Mac)
use a headset / headphones with microphone
ensure a stable internet connection (preferably broadband)

To access a virtual classroom by iOS or Android mobile or tablet:

download the Blackboard Collaborate App from iTunes or Google Play
use headphones with microphone
ensure a stable internet connection (preferably broadband)

It is important to check that the computer or device, and the equipment is compatible with the Virtual Classroom portal used for these sessions prior to enrolling. To check the compatibility, and for further information, visit our Virtual classroom test page.