The IAR Guidance (IAR) and Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) is designed to establish a national, standardised approach to conducting initial mental health assessments, and support general practitioners and other clinicians to recommend the most appropriate level of care for a person seeking mental health support. The IAR and the IAR-DST are an Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care initiative bringing together information from various sources, including Australian and international evidence and advice from various leading experts. The IAR-DST is not an assessment tool.

Practising GPs and registrars are eligible to receive a $300 payment for completion of this training if attending a session before June 30th, 2025.

The workshop

The first component of the workshop will focus on:

• An introduction to the IAR and the development of the National Guidance, including stepped care in Australia.

• Orientation to the domains, levels of care, and decision support tool.

The second component of the workshop is an interactive practical activity, which includes:

• Application of the IAR-DST based on a consumer scenario.

• Clinical judgement and supported decision-making.

Learning outcomes

1. Discuss the principles underpinning the national approach to stepped care.

2. Summarise the IAR development process.

3. Explain the use of IAR Guidance in practice settings to generate a recommended level of care.

4. List the levels of care in relation to available regional services

5. Identify the principles related to clinical decision making and consumer choice

The workshop will be facilitated by an experienced IAR Training and Support Officer (TSO) from the National TSO Network.

Adaptation: Adolescent

Scenario: Brandon