Evaluation of Australia's Better Access initiative: An overview

This paper provides an overview of the mixed-methods evaluation of the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule initiative (Better Access) that we conducted in 2021-2022. It is the first of 10 papers in this special issue of the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry; the other nine report on individual studies that were components of the evaluation. This paper summarises the key findings, highlighting that although many of those who use Better Access achieve positive improvements in symptoms, levels of functioning and quality of life, there are inequities in access to the programme. Based on our findings, we made 16 recommendations relating to: complementary service delivery models; workforce capacity, composition and distribution; therapies available through Better Access; referring people to the most appropriate care; fostering communication and collaboration between providers; affordability; session numbers; session modality; services for people in residential aged care facilities and routinely assessing outcomes. We report on the Australian Government's response to these recommendations.