Due to the rapid adoption of telehealth services as a result of COVID 19, the Victorian Tasmanian PHN Alliance (Alliance) supported primary care providers professional development which covered practical tips and strategies to optimise the use of online technologies during mental health consultations.
In partnership with the Mental Health Professionals’ Network, the Alliance delivered a webinar featuring an interdisciplinary panel of mental health expert practitioners sharing their respective practice wisdom and providing guidance to an interdisciplinary audience of health and mental health practitioners in the what, how, when, and why of delivering mental health services by telephone and/or videoconferencing.
The panel discussed the opportunities, challenges and risks in conducting mental health consultations by telephone and/or videoconferencing, and practical strategies for improving outcomes for both practitioner and client – including establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship with clients within the digital environment.
The 75-minute Tips and strategies in using technology for mental health consultations webinar expert panel included Dr Monica Moore a NSW-based GP/psychotherapist, Ms Tessa Moriarty, a Vic-based mental health nurse, and Mr David Xuereb, a Vic-based psychologist, facilitated by Professor Mark Creamer, also a Vic-based clinical psychologist.
Of the 2,200 attendees participated across Australia. Feedback from participants who completed the post-webinar survey relevance and usefulness to drive improvements to practice.
A recording of the webinar is available via this link.