The new Medical Practitioner Mental Health HealthPathways was localised for Mid and North Coast HealthPathways by Dr Hilton Koppe, HealthPathways Clinical Editor. Input into the development was received from multiple clinical subject matter experts, who recommended many of the resources that are included.
This pathway has been designed for general practitioners providing mental health care to other medical practitioners. And while it is recommended that doctors seek support from a GP when facing mental wellbeing issues, the pathway does include information about self-help resources specifically developed for doctors.
What you’ll find
In the background section, it states that medical practitioners commonly report high levels of stress and symptoms of burnout which may result in family and marital difficulties, substance abuse, self-prescribing, depression and anxiety. Female doctors have a higher rate of mental illness than their male counterparts. Rates of suicide for doctors are 1.41 time the general population rate for male doctors and 2.5 times for female doctors.
The assessment section provides clear step-by-step advice about what to consider and discuss when treating a colleague for mental wellbeing issues. It includes specific strategies for doctors in training and international medical graduates.
The management section offers concise guidance on mandatory reporting requirements as well as general mental wellbeing management strategies.
The referral section provides information about a range of doctor-specific self-help, counselling and crisis assistance services and links to the psychology, psychiatry, and e-mental health services referral pathways.
Healthy North Coast acknowledges the ongoing efforts of our local primary healthcare workforce, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, to support our communities to live their best and healthiest lives.
The past 12 months have brought unprecedented pressure to our health system and workforce, who have continued to adjust to the external factors to ensure highest quality primary care at all times.
Please visit the Medical Practitioner Mental Health HealthPathway for information about self-help resources specifically developed for doctors.
Mid and North Coast Localised Pathways
Username: manchealth
Password: conn3ct3d
For further information about HealthPathways email [email protected] or [email protected]