Your feedback is sought on veteran-specific e-training for providers’
GPs are invited and encouraged to provide input to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) review of DVA’s online professional development programs on veteran healthcare. The aim of the review is to identify the drivers for health professionals to complete DVA’s veteran-specific online training programs, and whether incentives such as continuing professional development (CPD) points influence their decision to participate.
The review is a recommendation from a 2017 Senate Inquiry into veteran suicide after hearing health professionals felt under-skilled or unable to work with veterans and ex-service personnel.
The Inquiry heard there was a gap in providers’ understanding of military culture and the unique circumstances which Australian Defence Force (ADF) members face during their military service, either in Australia or overseas, and after they transition out of the ADF.
DVA need your feedback about your motivations for undertaking these types of programs, even if you have not completed any DVA e-training. You can provide this anonymously by completing this brief survey between now and Friday 21 September 2018.
DVA’s current online training programs focus on mental health and are designed to assist health professionals gain a better understanding of the impact of military experiences, as well as assess and treat comorbid or complex conditions. They include:
- Understanding the Military Experience
- Working with Veterans with Mental Health Problems (GP specific)
- PTSD - Psychological Interventions Program
- VetAWARE mental health training for DVA-contracted community nurses
- Case Formulation
- Veterans and Veterans’ Families Counselling Service (VVCS) Practitioners Guide
While these programs focus on mental health, DVA wants to hear from GPs and other health providers who work with DVA clients. The review findings will help inform future development of veteran-specific online training programs, and shape the requirements and incentives for participating.
DVA has appointed Healthcare Management Advisers (HMA) to undertake the review, and they are conducting the survey.
