About the Primary Mental Health Care Minimum Data Set
The Primary Mental Health Care Minimum Data Set (PMHC MDS) is Australia’s
national data collection for Australian Government-funded primary mental
health care services commissioned by Primary Health Networks (PHNs).
Data collected through the PMHC MDS helps PHNs, governments, service
providers, researchers and the broader community better understand access
to services, the care provided, and outcomes achieved for consumers.
The collection also supports national and regional planning, evaluation of
mental health reforms, and evidence-informed decision-making.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) manages the PMHC MDS
on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
The full PMHC MDS Purpose Statement outlines the objectives of the collection
and how it supports regional and national decision-making in primary mental health care.
Reporting to the PMHC MDS
PHNs and commissioned service providers submit data to the PMHC MDS in accordance
with the PMHC MDS data specifications. The collection includes information about
consumers, referrals, episodes of care, service activities and selected outcome measures.
Data specifications
The PMHC MDS data specifications
define the information to be collected and reported through the PMHC MDS.
The specifications are updated periodically to reflect changes to policy, service delivery
and information requirements.
System operation and support
The AIHW is responsible for the management, governance and ongoing development of the PMHC MDS.
Logicly operates the PMHC MDS platform and provides
technical system administration and support services on behalf of the AIHW.
To receive notifications about PMHC MDS updates, specification changes and other
announcements, subscribe to the PMHC MDS mailing list by emailing
support@pmhc-mds.com with the
subject line “subscribe news@lists.pmhc-mds.com”
Getting started
Guidance for organisations using the PMHC MDS, including onboarding information,
reporting requirements and support resources, is available in the Getting Started section.
