Self-reported confidence and skills of general practitioners in management of mental health disorders.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the predictors of self-reported confidence and skills of GPs in management of patients with mental health problems.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey, with questionnaire presented to 246 GPs working in 62 practices throughout Gippsland.


METHODS
Rural general practices in Gippsland.


METHODS
One hundred and thirty-four GPs across Gippsland.


METHODS
GPs completed a questionnaire assessing self-perception of knowledge and skills in recognition and management of common mental health problems.


RESULTS
Of 134 GPs, 45% reported that they have a specific interest in mental health, and 39% of GPs reported that they had previous mental health training. Only 22% of GPs describe having both an interest and prior training in mental health care. Age and years since graduation are not significantly related to self-reported confidence and skills.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study highlight that self-professed interest and prior training in mental health are associated. Self-professed interest in mental health care predicts confidence and self-perceived skills in recognition, assessment and management of common mental health disorders. Similarly, prior training in mental health care predicts confidence and self-perceived skills in recognition, assessment and management of common mental health problems. Self-professed interest in mental health issues is also associated with hours of participation in continuing medical education related to mental health care. Unfortunately, only a minority described having both interest and prior training in mental health care.
Oakley Browne
Mark
M
Monash University, Department of Rural and Indigenous Health, Moe, Victoria, Australia. mark.oakleybrowne@med.monash.edu.au
Lee
Adeline
A
Prabhu
Radha
R
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010819:Physician's Role; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000193:education; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014739:Victoria
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents