Mental Health Triage Classification Scale

The following is a message from David Clements, Acting Director, Mental Health & Drug Operations, Department of Health (Please note further discussions will be occurring over the next few months):

BACKGROUND

In 2006-07, the Department signalled it would introduce a uniform state-wide mental health triage scale for Victorian area mental health services (AMHS).

The Victorian Chief Psychiatrist has led the development of the scale and associated guidelines in consultation with the Mental Health Triage Scale Advisory Committee. A number of revisions are being made before state-wide roll-out early next year.

The introduction of the Mental Health Triage Scale will be complemented by implementation of a minimum triage dataset, which will facilitate improved monitoring and understanding of this component of the front-end service system.

ISSUES

The Department is starting to plan the roll-out of the mental health triage classification scale across Victoria.

Key components to ensure the successful implementation of the scale will include:

• Dissemination of information about the triage scale, its purpose and its use to key stakeholders.
• Training on the use of the scale and the associated materials to inform its use.
• Ensuring that local procedures, data collection processes and clinical governance frameworks support implementation and use of the triage scale.
• Ensuring awareness of (and compliance with) the data collection specifications and key performance indicators linked to the scale.

In relation to the data collection, the RAPID/CMI screening register was updated in 2007 to include the seven triage codes as a new field. This is the minimum requirement for implementation of the scale. Several additional modifications were made in the last release, to support a minimum triage dataset, which focuses on capturing triage outcomes and service responsiveness to a triage contact. The Department presented to the CMI coordinators on the modifications and the minimum triage data set earlier this month to start discussions and facilitate preparations.

The minimum triage dataset will be rolled out in conjunction with the roll-out of the Mental Health Triage Scale and Guidelines in the new year, with implementation across Victoria expecting to be completed by 30 June 2009.

The Department will be engaging further with Area Mental Health Services before the end of the year to discuss the implementation and roll-out of the triage scale and minimum dataset.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Services wishing to access further information or discuss the implementation of the triage scale are invited to contact Leanne Roberts on 9096 8548 or at leanne.roberts@dhs.vic.gov.au.

David Clements

Acting Director

Mental Health & Drugs Operations

Department of Health | Level 17/50 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000

T: (03) 9096 8123 | F: (03) 9096 8726 | E: David.Clements@dhs.vic.gov.au