Abstract
IntroductionIn Australia, mental health conditions (MHCs) arising from workplace factors are a leading cause of long term work incapacity and absenteeism. While most patients are treated in general practice, general practitioners report several challenges associated with diagnosing and managing workplace MHCs.This guideline, approved by the National Health and Medical Research Council and endorsed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, is the first internationally to address the clinical complexities associated with diagnosing and managing work‐related MHCs in general practice.Main recommendationsOur 11 evidence‐based recommendations and 19 consensus‐based statements aim to assist GPs with: the assessment of symptoms and diagnosis of a work‐related MHC;the early identification of an MHC that develops as a comorbid or secondary condition after an initial workplace injury;determining if an MHC has arisen as a result of work factors;managing a work‐related MHC to improve personal recovery or return to work;determining if a patient can work in some capacity;communicating with the patient's workplace; andmanaging a work‐related MHC that is not improving as anticipated. Changes in management as result of the guidelineThis guideline will enhance care and improve health outcomes by encouraging: the use of appropriate tools to assist the diagnosis and determine the severity of MHCs;consideration of factors that can lead to the development of an MHC after a workplace injury;more comprehensive clinical assessments;the use of existing high quality guidelines to inform the clinical management of MHCs;consideration of a patient's capacity to work;appropriate communication with the workplace; andcollaboration with other health professionals.
Highlights
In Australia, mental health conditions (MHCs) arising from workplace factors are a leading cause of long term work incapacity and absenteeism
The early identification of an MHC that develops as a comorbid or secondary condition after an initial workplace injury;
GPs may work with other providers involved in facilitating the patient’s recovery who have the expertise and judgement to assist in the assessment of a secondary MHC following an aspects of care that can enhance personal recovery at work or return to good and safe work in patients with a work-related MHC
Summary
The guideline[3] was developed according to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) standards[6] to ensure that appropriate governance structures, management of conflicts of interest, and methodological rigour were in place. An independent guideline development group oversaw the guideline development process. Members included three content experts, a consumer with a lived experience of a work-related MHC, a GP from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), an occupational physician from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, a psychiatrist from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, a state-based policy maker, and a compensation scheme representative. A steering group, comprising representatives from the project sponsors, Abstract
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
