The online Core Module of Mental Health Skills Training equips practitioners with the skills to provide evidence-based, patient-centred care to people living with a mental illness. The course introduces skills and techniques to detect, assess and review patients with mental health issues including screening under the Mental Health Better Access Initiative. It teaches practitioners how to conduct mental health interviews and develop and review Mental Health Plans.
This course is ideal for medical practitioners who wish to manage mental health to improve patient outcomes, specifically to be able to identify and treat mental health issues and to work collaboratively with other professionals in the field. The course is delivered by GPs with a special interest in mental health and reviewed by mental health professionals.
This module is the first of two modules in the MHST modular pathway. The MHST modular pathway is designed for more experienced GPs who assess, treat and manage complex mental health issues in their practices. Practitioners completing this Core Module and a Clinical Enhancement Module will be eligible to claim MBS item numbers.
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This Mental Health Skills Training: Core Module is for medical practitioners who wish to manage mental health to improve patient outcomes, specifically to be able to identify and treat mental health issues and to work collaboratively with other professionals in the field, where appropriate.
This course is for physicians only. There are no prerequisites. Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing English is assumed.
Participants will require access to a computer/laptop, an internet connection and a basic level of technology proficiency to access and navigate the online learning portal.
Professionally
Course participants will:
Module 1: Geriatric and palliative medicine
This module briefly revisits the history of cannabis use and its legislation in Australia in 2016. Two main cannabinoids are distinguished: THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol). The module describes common and rare side effects, results and varied responses of patients to medicinal cannabis. Medicinal cannabis does not work equally for everyone – dosages vary and outcomes are different for each patient. The module describes the use of cannabinoids to relieve pain in patients with malignant diseases compared to placebos. Four case studies demonstrate how medicinal cannabis can be considered for geriatric and palliative care treatment. In conclusion, medicinal cannabis may have a legitimate role for certain patients in certain circumstances and each patient’s management is to be individually considered.
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Dr Alice Lam
MBChB, FRACGP
Dr Alice Lam is a general practitioner passionate about evidence-based medicine and education for medical professionals and their patients. She has over 23 years of medical experience in Australia and overseas. Dr Lam graduated from the University of Manchester, UK and practised both as a locum and partner. Since 2008, she has worked as a GP in Melbourne, Australia. Her other interests include digital health, health writing and education for health professionals and patients.
Dr Anoop Jalota
FRACGP, MBBS
Dr Anoop Jalota is an experienced GP with international experience. He practises in Wollongong, since moving there from New Zealand, he is currently the Cluster Leader for the Central Illawarra area.
The Mental Health Skills Training Core Module is fully delivered online. Participants can enjoy the flexibility to study at their own pace, in their own time, within their home or office, and on their favourite mobile device. The modules are set up in such a way that participants are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay the video lectures at their convenience.
Once this core module and a GPMHST-approved Clinical Enhancement module on mental health are completed, Australian physicians may be eligible for Medicare billing rebates for mental health skills training. HealthCert offers the Clinical Enhancement Module of Mental Health Skills Training: PTSD – Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders.
The webinars offer the opportunity to join and interact with the presenters online in real-time but can also be viewed later. There are no face-to-face requirements for exams which can be conveniently completed online within three months of the exam opening date. With no travel, accommodation or out-of-office expenses incurred, participants can build critical skills and tailor their career while working in a busy practice or raising a family.
There is one module in this course. The course includes online presentations from experts in the field followed by patient case discussions and decision-making. There is a final webinar prior to examinations. You will also receive valuable 12 months' web-based support from the speakers and participate in regular online learning sessions with the opportunity to ask any questions you might have as you implement your learning.
The course includes:
There are two online examinations for assessment:
The knowledge-based examination is worth 50 per cent and the application-based examination is worth 50 per cent. The overall pass mark is 80 per cent. It is therefore not possible to pass this course on knowledge alone. Knowledge must be successfully applied to patient cases in order to pass the course. Examination questions are presented progressively throughout the course.
HealthCert recommends completion of the assessment at your convenience within three months of enrolling in the online course.
Upon successful completion of the exam, course participants will receive a certificate in Mental Health Skills Training: Core Module, and CPD hours. Please contact us for more information.
This course is recognised by GPMHSC as a Core Module of the modular Mental Health Skills Training. For practitioners who are working towards qualifying for the MBS rebates for mental health, HealthCert offers a Clinical Enhancement Module of Mental Health Skills Training: PTSD to qualify for Medicare rebates. Completing this Core Module + the Clinical Enhancement module qualifies doctors for MBS items 2715 and 2717 (or equivalent item numbers for non-VR GPs). The course is also recognised towards the HealthCert Professional Certificate of Mental Health.
This Core Module:
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LEARNING RESOURCE IN ANATOMY
HealthCert certificate course graduates can receive access to Anatomedia, an interactive online learning program in anatomy, for an annual fee of $99 instead of $297 if subscribed by 31 December 2020. The complete self-learning resource teaches anatomy of the body and contains videos of various surgical procedures. Select Pricing: Student and under School/Institution details (used for verification) enter the below details:
SCHOOL/INSTITUTION NAME: HealthCert
YOUR PRIMARY AREA OF STUDY: HealthCert course you most recently enrolled in
EXPECTED YEAR OF GRADUATION: 2020
Our Education Advisors can assist you with any queries and tailor your education pathway to suit your current expertise, interests and career goals.