IAR-DST version 2 released

On behalf of the Department of Health and Aged Care (the Department), we are pleased to advise of the release on 1 July 2024 of version 2 of the Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) Guidance documentation and decision support tool (IAR-DST).

The IAR has been developed for use by Australian health professionals in the primary mental health system. It supports nationally consistent evidence-informed initial assessment and referral processes and continues to be refined as new evidence emerges.

The standalone IAR-DST is available at https://iar-dst.online/#/

The IAR Guidance documentation includes a suite of documents providing information about the IAR and how to use it appropriately and effectively with people of different ages who present to the Australian primary care system with mental health symptoms and/or psychological distress. There are separate rating guides available for use with:

  • Children (aged 5-11)

  • Adolescents (aged 12-17)

  • Adults (aged 18-64)

  • Older Adults (aged 65 and over)

Whilst the IAR uses age to determine a rating guide, the final decision should be based on the clinical judgment of the user, considering contextual and developmental factors. 

If you have already undergone IAR training, there is no need to undertake the training again. However, should you require a refresher, please contact Initial Assessment and Referral Training Support Officer Jane Colwill at jane.colwill@mphn.org.au  

The Department recognises that transitioning from v1.05 to v2 may take some time, and we aim to support you throughout this period. The Department’s digital partner will be in contact with technical leads of organisations who have a signed integrator agreement in place advising of the availability of version 2 to support IT suppliers to update their systems.

For more information, please visit https://docs.iar-dst.online/en/v2/index.html.

All enquiries related to the digital tools should be directed to support@logicly.com.au

MPHN is committed to supporting you during this transition. If you have any questions or feedback, please email jane.colwill@mphn.org.au

Margot Schoonmaker