Abstract

Authors names

Dr Mai Duong¹, Lisa Wilton², SA Health MH GP Liaison Group³

Affiliations

1. Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide Primary Health Network, 2. Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Office of the Chief Psychiatrist, 3. SA Health

Introduction

Improving health outcomes for people living with mental illness requires a unified, collaborative approach across the healthcare system. The South Australian Mental Health and General Practice Shared Care Model of Care is being developed to strengthen partnerships between general practitioners, mental health professionals, and other service providers, by providing a shared framework to address both physical and mental health needs in an integrated, person-centred way.

Discussion

People with lived experience of mental illness experience significantly poorer physical health outcomes and reduced life expectancy—between 14 and 23 years earlier than the general population. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who already face a ten-year life expectancy gap, the presence of a mental illness further widens this disparity. Contributing factors include fragmented service delivery, inadequate information sharing, reduced access to allied health care, financial barriers, low rates of physical health screening, and insufficient follow-up.

The Shared Care Model is developed collaboratively with people with lived experience, GPs, and mental health services—to guide a team-based approach with joint responsibility for care. Core elements include agreed care responsibilities, structured management plans, standardised communication pathways, timely information exchange, and defined escalation processes. This model aims to embed human rights principles, trauma-informed care, and recovery-oriented practice, recognising the strengths and expertise of all partners, including the person receiving care.