Identifying Service-Related Mental Health Risks: A Call for GP Cultural Competence in Veteran Care

Description

The Returned and Services League of New South Wales (RSL NSW) hosted a national workshop as part of its professional development network, designed to support stakeholders who provide veteran-centric support and community services to current and former members of the Australian Defence Force and their families.

The session featured a research presentation based on the peer-reviewed publication "Navigating mental health risks among Australian military veterans: Insights for general practice". Drawing on quantitative analysis of veteran intake data, the study explored key risk factors associated with mental health conditions, including shorter service length, junior rank, discharge type, and significant delays in help-seeking—particularly among male veterans.

The presentation addressed the implications of these findings for general practice, highlighting the critical role of GPs in early identification and intervention. Key themes included the need for culturally competent, sex-sensitive, and veteran-informed care, as well as recommendations to embed military-related content into medical education and strengthen systemic support for frontline healthcare providers.

This event contributed to ongoing efforts to improve mental health outcomes for veterans and fostered cross-sector dialogue between researchers, service organisations, and healthcare professionals on the delivery of high-quality, veteran-centred care.

Period	10 Apr 2025
Event title	Building Capacity in Veteran Services: A Professional Development Workshop for Sector Stakeholders
Event type	Workshop
Location	AustraliaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	National