Authors: Paul Clenaghan, Dr Winston Lo and Laura Garcelon, NSW
Year: 2013
Event: 2013 TheMHS Conference
Subject: Family carers. Physical health
Type of resource: Conference Presentations and Papers
ISBN: 978-0-9757653-7-1
Abstract: The innovative General Practice co-location model located in Sydney's Inner West was established in 2008 in response to documented poorer physical health outcomes for people living with enduring mental illness. Up to 25% in this group do not consult a GP, with a further group seeking services from a range of GPs or medical centres. The GP co-location clinic caters for consumers of the community mental health service who are not connected with a GP. The close partnership between the GP and the mental health service aims to screen for, assess and manage physical health problems identified in those consumers seen. This model has been evaluated to be a success, with an 85% attendance rate of people who previously did not see a GP; 1,000 consultations conducted; >200 individual clients seen; a high percentage receiving screening for diabetes risk, a GP Management Plan or Team Care Arrangement. Satisfaction surveys from both consumers and mental health service staff were very positive. The outcome has been an integrated shared care holistic model, resulting in earlier intervention for physical health problems. The success of this model has enabled new GP clinics to be established at other community mental health facilities.
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