A step-wise matrix for the treatment of depression
Purpose: To create a matrix by which a GP can confidently make decisions about the availabilty of phychotherapy treatment options of a patient presenting with depression.
Methods: The matrix is designed to be used within the NPS "Effective use of antidepressants" educational visiting program. Resources, people and print material, available in the public and private sectors were ascertained and how these resources could be accessed, restrictions on access, state variations on access and age or ethnicity variations on access. Compilation of the resource list involved conferring with division staff involved in drug and alcohol and mental health through the "BOMHS" program. The matrix is to be designed as both an interactive computer program and a hard copy chart. The computer program contains lists of health professionals and allied health departments and hyperlinks to these resources whilst the chart is a quick reference guide. Results: The matrix is in the planning stage with the lists of avaiable resources near complete. Usefulness of the matrix will be evaluated by level of GP accecptance and ude after distribution. Conclusions: The available resources and bodies dealing with mental health are numerous especially across State health services and complex for the GP. The production of the matrix attempts to clarify the options available and supply the contact details.