Mark Oakley Browne1, Adeline Lee, Radha Prabhu. 1. Monash University, Department of Rural and Indigenous Health, Moe, Victoria, Australia. mark.oakleybrowne@med.monash.edu.au
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To identify the predictors of self-reported confidence and skills of GPs in management of patients with mental health problems. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey, with questionnaire presented to 246 GPs working in 62 practices throughout Gippsland. SETTING: Rural general practices in Gippsland. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and thirty-four GPs across Gippsland. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: GPs completed a questionnaire assessing self-perception of knowledge and skills in recognition and management of common mental health problems. RESULTS: Of 134 GPs, 45% reported that they have a specific interest in mental health, and 39% of GPs reported that they had previous mental health training. Only 22% of GPs describe having both an interest and prior training in mental health care. Age and years since graduation are not significantly related to self-reported confidence and skills. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study highlight that self-professed interest and prior training in mental health are associated. Self-professed interest in mental health care predicts confidence and self-perceived skills in recognition, assessment and management of common mental health disorders. Similarly, prior training in mental health care predicts confidence and self-perceived skills in recognition, assessment and management of common mental health problems. Self-professed interest in mental health issues is also associated with hours of participation in continuing medical education related to mental health care. Unfortunately, only a minority described having both interest and prior training in mental health care.
OBJECTIVE: To identify the predictors of self-reported confidence and skills of GPs in management of patients with mental health problems. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey, with questionnaire presented to 246 GPs working in 62 practices throughout Gippsland. SETTING: Rural general practices in Gippsland. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and thirty-four GPs across Gippsland. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: GPs completed a questionnaire assessing self-perception of knowledge and skills in recognition and management of common mental health problems. RESULTS: Of 134 GPs, 45% reported that they have a specific interest in mental health, and 39% of GPs reported that they had previous mental health training. Only 22% of GPs describe having both an interest and prior training in mental health care. Age and years since graduation are not significantly related to self-reported confidence and skills. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study highlight that self-professed interest and prior training in mental health are associated. Self-professed interest in mental health care predicts confidence and self-perceived skills in recognition, assessment and management of common mental health disorders. Similarly, prior training in mental health care predicts confidence and self-perceived skills in recognition, assessment and management of common mental health problems. Self-professed interest in mental health issues is also associated with hours of participation in continuing medical education related to mental health care. Unfortunately, only a minority described having both interest and prior training in mental health care.
Authors: Jeffrey D Fuller; David Perkins; Sharon Parker; Louise Holdsworth; Brian Kelly; Russell Roberts; Lee Martinez; Lyn Fragar Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2011-03-25 Impact factor: 2.655