Outdoor mental healthcare: What, who, why and where to?

Objective: Outdoor mental healthcare can increase the breadth of multidisciplinary interventions available to people with a therapeutic need. The aim of this article is to educate readers about the field of outdoor mental healthcare through the exploration of a series of basic questions.Conclusions: Outdoor mental healthcare spans a range of therapies that apply a variety of theoretical approaches and treatments across a multiplicity of settings, patient groups and desired outcomes unified by key evidence-informed practice elements. Through use of a predominantly non-mainstream workforce working in non-conventional clinical settings outdoor mental healthcare may contribute to treatment accessibility and acceptability.

General practice in the era of planetary health: Responding to the climate health emergency.

BACKGROUND: It has been a decade since a landmark Lancet publication declared that 'climate change is the biggest global health threat of the 21st century'. Since then, Australia has experienced unprecedented warming related to climate change and an associated increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, storms, bushfires and air pollution. These events have had major impacts on community physical and mental health. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to describe the health impacts of climate change and the role of general practitioners (GPs) in responding to these impacts. DISCUSSION: While the clinical skills that underpin general practice have not changed, the environmental and planetary context has shifted. A 'planetary health' approach is required. Climate change should now be considered a health emergency. GPs have a critical role in mitigation and adaptation. Responding to climate change aligns with principles of preventive health and can produce 'co-benefits' for individual and population health.

A missed opportunity--lessons learnt from a chlamydia testing observation study in general practice.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia is the most frequently notified sexually transmissible infection in Australia and occurs most commonly in young people. Up to 80% of chlamydia infections are asymptomatic. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners recommends annual chlamydia testing for all sexually active people aged less than 25 years. This study explored potential structural or procedural barriers that might inhibit chlamydia testing in young women in general practice. METHODS: The chlamydia testing pathways of 12 general practices were examined using a comprehensive practice assessment tool. The pathways of these clinics were compared to a best practice testing pathway, and clinics were offered tailored advice to help improve their practice pathway. RESULTS: Clinics were followed up at 2 months. Little change to existing practices had been made. DISCUSSION: Clinics employing a practice manager were better equipped to enable systems for chlamydia testing to be developed. Results are discussed in light of May's normalisation theory, which states that changing practices requires shared understanding and commitment by all staff. It is unlikely that chlamydia testing rates in general practice will reach the levels required to reduce the burden of chlamydia without a coordinated clinic level approach.