Work-related mental health guidelines in General PRacticE (IMPRovE) project
The project aims to improve the implementation of evidence-based guidelines by general practitioners (GPs) when treating patients with work-related mental health conditions.
Project update
Comcare has signed a multi-institute agreement and committed funding over four years and in-kind support.
We are also attending the Intervention Advisory Group and Steering Group meetings.
Recruitment of GPs into the trial was placed on hold until September 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19. We expect recruitment of GPs to commence in October 2020, with Comcare-targeted GPs in Victoria and NSW invited to participate in the intervention.
Project overview
Phase one
Clinical guidelines were developed to assist GPs with diagnosing and managing work-related mental health conditions.
The recommendations of the clinical guidelines were approved by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in late 2018 and launched in March 2019.
Phase two
Comcare is a project partner on Monash University’s IMPRovE project.
IMPRovE is short for Implementing work-related Mental health guidelines in general PRacticE (IMPRovE) project.
This project aims to help implement the Clinical Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Work-Related Mental Health Conditions in General Practice.
See Information on the partnership trial for more information about this phase.
Project participants
Project lead
Monash University
Other organisations involved
- Beyond Blue
- Monash University
- Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business (DESSB)
- State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA)
- Return to Work SA
- WorkCover WA
- WorkSafe Victoria
- iCare
- Treating general medical practitioners (GPs).
Findings and reports
Resources
Why this research is important
This research project is part of our Research Plan Towards 2022 and supports our purpose to guide and support mental health and wellbeing.
One in five Australians are likely to suffer a mental health condition at any given time, and nearly one third of Australians are affected by workplace stress.
The Productivity Commission’s Draft Report into Mental Health has estimated that its cost to the Australian economy could be up to $51 billion per year. However, for every $1 that a workplace invests in creating and supporting a mentally healthy workplace there is on average a $2.30 return.
These benefits are often seen through improved productivity when workers are engaged and satisfied at work and through reduced compensation claims when workers experience safe and healthy work practices.
We continue to add to the growing evidence-base on what employers, managers and workers can do to create mentally healthy workplaces.
More information
See other mental health initiatives that Comcare is leading or a part of.
For more information on this research project, contact research@comcare.gov.au.