Assessment & Decision (IAR-DST) Training
Supporting consistent mental health assessment and referral across Australia
The National Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) Training Program supports health professionals to understand and apply the Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) Framework and the IAR Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) in practice.
The IAR Framework promotes a consistent, evidence-informed approach to mental health assessment and referral across primary care settings. The IAR-DST assists health professionals to determine the most appropriate level of care based on an individual’s needs, supporting referral decisions within Australia’s stepped care approach.
Through practical, interactive training, participants will gain the knowledge and confidence to apply the IAR Framework in a range of clinical and service settings.
The training is suitable for professionals involved in mental health assessment, care planning, intake, triage, navigation and referral, including:
- General practitioners
- Psychologists
- Mental health clinicians
- Intake and assessment teams
- Care navigators
- Allied health professionals
- Commissioned service providers
- Other members of the mental health and primary care workforce
Participants will:
- Summarise the principles underpinning the national approach to stepped care
- Summarise the IAR development process
- Explain the use of IAR Guidance in practice settings to generate a recommended level of care
- List the levels of care in relation to available regional services
- Identify the principles related to clinical decision-making and consumer choice
Online, live interactive training sessions are delivered throughout the year and include:
- An introduction to the IAR Framework and supporting guidance
- Practical application of the IAR-DST
- Interactive discussion and case-based learning
- Opportunities for questions and peer learning
Sessions are approximately two hours in duration. Participants who complete the training will receive a certificate of attendance.
GPs who attend IAR-DST training are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
A self-paced eLearning module has been designed for health professionals who are suitably qualified and experienced in mental health assessment and/or treatment. This flexible online format enables health professionals and intake interviewers/care navigators, including non‑clinical staff, to complete training at a time and place that suits their operational needs. For more information on this format, please refer to this video.
This is an RACGP and ACRRM approved event, and a certificate of attendance will be issued to self-report hours as below.
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We offer live training sessions fortnightly throughout the year. View our calendar for upcoming dates.
Find a session here
For any questions, contact: iar@wentwest.com.au