Abstract

Author(s): 

Mark Morgan

The presentation will describe the rationale, development and outcomes of a series of projects in general practice that managed mental illness alongside diabetes and heart disease in the TrueBlue trial. Dr Morgan will describe some of the recent policy recommendations that have come from the Medical Benefits Schedule Review and the government’s Health Care Home trial to support this work. The presentation will conclude with some thought-provoking suggestions for future policy directions.

Some lessons have been that whilst local ownership is important for ‘on the ground change’, this is difficult without connection to policy and broader networks supporting change. Another has been that partnerships enhance options for improving physical health: but the depth and orientation of local partnerships will, and probably should, determine local application.

NSW is currently applying these lessons in commencing a statewide project to improve physical healthcare of consumers of older persons mental health services. The presentation will conclude with a description of the methodology, partners and progress to date.