Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST)
The IAR-DST is the result of an initiative by the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care. The free tool was created in consultation with an expert advisory group including lived experience and industry representatives, universities, and peak mental health bodies.
The tool's features ensure the right level of evidence-based intervention is recommended for a client’s specific needs, avoiding over or under-servicing.
- GPs
- Psychologists
- Mental health nurses
- Social workers
- Registered nurses
- Occupational therapists
- Maternal health workers
- Non-clinical staff such as peer support workers, counsellors, and intake staff
The eight domains encourage exploration of the person’s internal experiences (primary domains) and the external experiences and resources available to the person (contextual domains). Based on the assessment and clinical judgement, the person seeking support is matched to an evidence-based intervention.
The IAR-DST assists with identifying the most appropriate treatment intensity a patient needs.
Promotes patient-centred care and aims to improve patient outcomes
The IAR-DST tool guides clinical judgement and creates a discussion with the patient about choice and preference for mental health services, empowering them by being involved in the decision-making process.
Appropriate use of services
Improved communication with patients ensures they are matched to the most appropriate service for their needs, leading to more efficient allocation of healthcare resources.
Improved delivery of primary health care services
The IAR-DST tool provides a standardised framework for all Commonwealth-funded mental health services to communicate assessment and referral information consistently using a shared language.
Enhanced clinical assessment and decision making
Provides a more comprehensive approach than existing tools by using an evidence-informed framework leading to better patient outcomes
We acknowledge the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network for the creation of this video.
Register for free training
The IAR-DST training involves:
- 30-min pre-requisite module (Workshop 1)
- 90-min online training (Workshop 2)
- Easy portal access
- Variety of dates and times available
- 2 hours of CPD available
- An Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) accredited activity
- GPs receive $300 reimbursement payment
Dates don't suit?
Register to be notified of newly released training dates (as well as mental health news and events).
Country to Coast QLD (CCQ) have commissioned UniSC’s Thompson Institute to offer training for primary healthcare professionals wanting to harness IAR-DST benefits.