NHMRC Partnership Grant to improve outcomes for injured workers with mental health conditions in general practice

Researchers from the Department of General Practice at Monash University welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that it will fund the four year IMPRovE: Implementing work-related Mental health guidelines in general PRacticE trial through an NHMRC Partnership Project grant.  IMPRovE will be supported by official partner organisations, Beyond Blue, the Department of Jobs and Small Business, State Insurance Regulatory Authority, iCare, ReturnToWork SA and WorkCover WA

Led by Professor Danielle Mazza, Head of Monash University’s Department of General Practice the IMPRovE team of researchers includes Professor Alex Collie, Professor Justin Kenardy, Dr Bianca Brijnath, Associate Professor Duncan Mortimer, Dr Joanne Enticott, Professor Michael Kidd and Associate Investigator Professor Lyndal Trevena.

Workers with mental health conditions take three times longer to return to work and receive approximately three times more in compensation, compared to workers with musculoskeletal injuries.

“General practitioners have a significant role in enhancing recovery and return to work outcomes for workers with work-related mental health conditions,” said Professor Danielle Mazza.  However, current practice is hampered by clinical uncertainties and system difficulties.

IMPRovE will trial a complex intervention aimed at improving GP diagnosis and management of work related mental health conditions in general practice.

Siloed efforts to engage with GPs outside the clinical context have had limited success. Therefore, “collaborative action with general practice researchers is key to improving the services provided by general practitioners in the work-related mental health context.” Said CEO of WorCover WA, Chris White.

Beyond Blue board director Professor Michael Kidd AM said: Beyond Blue is extremely pleased to be partnering with some of Australia’s leading health and medical researchers to carry out important and impactful research which will support improvements in the mental health of people in Australia.

Media Contact: Samantha Chakraborty 03 99029698