6. Guidance on Information for clients¶
It is essential that clients are told about the reasons for the request and who the information is being requested by prior to receiving a request to complete an outcome measure through the OMSSS. When a collection is requested through the PMHC MDS, or a client email or SMS is provided to OMSSS when using the OMSSS API, the following wording will be used in the invitation that is sent to the client. Where a client email or SMS is not provided via the OMSSS API, the Department suggests the wording below as a basis for PHNs to use, or promote to commissioned providers to use, in informing clients. PHNs and service providers may vary the wording to suit their requirements, or embed them in existing client information documents they have prepared locally. The wording differs slightly depending on whether the measure selected is to be completed by the client about themselves (the K10+ and K5, SDQ for youth) or whether it completed by parents/guardians in respect of children under their care (SDQ for children).
6.1. Suggested wording for email invitations to complete K-10+, K-5, SDQ youth version¶
As part of receiving services, <Practitioner name> is inviting you to complete a brief questionnaire at <OMSSS link> about aspects of your current mental wellbeing. The information you provide will be used by your health practitioner to better understand your situation and inform the discussions you have with them about your needs. You might be asked to complete the questionnaire at various times throughout the care that you receive. This will help you and your health practitioner to monitor progress and adjust your treatment to best meet your needs.
You can complete the questionnaire in your own time and on your own device (e.g., tablet, home computer, smart phone).
It is up to you whether to complete the questionnaire, your health practitioner encourages you to do so. The information you provide goes directly to your health practitioner. Along with other information collected during treatment, the data are kept in your clinical record maintained by your health practitioner.
Some of that data may be provided on an anonymous basis to the Primary Health Network (PHN) that is paying your health practitioner for the services you receive, and to the Australian Government Department of Health, for evaluation purposes to improve mental health services. Your health practitioner can advise you further about how your information is used and how your privacy is protected under the Commonwealth’s Privacy Act 1988.
6.2. Suggested wording for email invitations to parents/guardians to complete SDQ child version¶
As part of your child receiving services, <Practitioner name> is inviting you to complete a brief questionnaire at <OMSSS link> about aspects of their current behaviour and wellbeing. The information you provide will be used by <Practitioner name> to better understand your child’s situation and inform the discussions they have with them. You might be asked to complete the questionnaire at various times throughout the care that your child receives. This will help you and your child’s health practitioner to monitor progress and adjust treatment to best meet your child’s needs. You can complete the questionnaire in your own time and on your own device (e.g., tablet, home computer, smart phone).
It is up to you whether to complete the questionnaire, your child’s health practitioner encourages you to do so. The information you provide goes directly to your child’s health practitioner. Along with other information collected during treatment, the data are kept in the clinical record maintained by your child’s health practitioner.
Some of that data may be provided on an anonymous basis to the Primary Health Network (PHN) that is paying your health practitioner for the services your child receives, and to the Australian Government Department of Health, for evaluation purposes to improve mental health services. Your child’s health practitioner can advise you further about how their information is used and how their privacy is protected under the Commonwealth’s Privacy Act 1988.
6.3. Suggested wording for SMS invitations to complete K-10+, K-5, SDQ youth version¶
Please complete the measure at <OMSSS link> before attending your appointment with/at <Provider name>. More information about this measure can be found at <Client guidance information link>.
6.4. Suggested wording for SMS invitations to parents/guardians to complete SDQ child version¶
Please complete the measure at <OMSSS link> before attending your child’s appointment with/at <Provider name>. More information about this measure can be found at <Client guidance information link>.