First, build the foundations: practical considerations in general practitioner-mental health service liaison.
The co-working relationship between general practitioners and local mental health services lies at the heart of the success of recent changes in mental health care. These changes have seen large-scale deinstitutionalisation, a shift to primary and community care, and a government policy of prevention and partnerships. This article outlines a liaison project developed jointly by the South-East New South Wales Division of General Practice and the Southern Area Mental Health Service to address these issues. We describe the development of a protocol of basic standards which were practical, pragmatic and possible and, when fully established, would be the foundation of effective, efficient and efficacious shared care in mental health.
Welch
M
M
Philip
T
T
Aldridge
G
G
Fisher
H
H
Cross
M
M
D001315:Australia; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards