Initial Assessment and Referral - Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST)

Posted Tuesday 11 March 2025 | Northern Queensland Primary Care Network

The IAR-DST helps clinicians and mental health service providers to assist individuals seeking mental health support in primary care. The IAR-DST redefines the stepped care approach to mental health care by recommending a level of care based on the least intensive intervention that will likely lead to the best possible gain for mental health consumers.

Its integration with Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTPs) has been recommended in the recent review of ‘Better Access’ emphasizing the necessity of a consistent, standardised and evidence-based approach for mental health referrals nationwide.

NQPHN offers continuous training and support to assist general practitioners (GPs) and other clinicians in using the IAR-DST, enabling you to complement your clinical judgment and assessment with this valuable support tool.

We extend an invitation to GPs and service providers in the mental health sector to participate in the IAR-DST training sessions to understand how this tool can elevate your practice and enhance patient outcomes.

The education session is run online and includes a 35-minute open learning pre-requisite.

GPs and GP Registrars who attend a training session will receive:

• $300 incentive payment* 
• CPD points 2023 (30 minutes Reviewing Performance and 1.5 hrs Educational Activities through RACGP; 2 hours CPD for ACRRM)