Front-line clinician general practitioners may be required to assist in the administration of mental health legislation. Limited training has been an issue previously identified. This study aims to ascertain levels of training, knowledge and confidence of general practitioners in Scotland in relation to the mental health act. An anonymous online survey of all general practitioners in one Scottish health board was completed.

Eighty general practitioners in Forth Valley responded to the survey; 55% had never received any previous training in the mental health act. The majority rated knowledge of the act as fair (50%) and confidence in using the act as poor (44%). No relationship was found between previous training and current knowledge or confidence. Previous practical use of the act was associated with better current knowledge (p = 0.0074) and confidence in using the act (p = 0.0005). Of the respondents, 99% were keen to pursue further training in the act.

Further practical training for general practitioners in the use of the mental health act is required to improve knowledge and confidence in this important area.