GP Bulletin
23 November 2017
EMPHN’s Annual Report has been released
Danika Gasparini (EMPHN); Jim Swinden, EMPHN Board Chair; Dilnaz Billimoria from Migrant Settlement Committee; Robin Whyte, EMPHN CEO; Debbie Mars (EMPHN) and Jodi Briggs (EMPHN) at the AGM earlier this week.
EMPHN held its AGM earlier this week, featuring presentations on mental health from Adjunct Professor John Mendoza and Professor Ian Hickie.
The 2016-17 EMPHN Annual Report was tabled at the meeting and is now available online.
Thank you to all those who attended.
My Health Record webinars
EMPHN has started preparing for the My Health Record expansion program, an Australia-wide campaign that PHNs will have a key role in implementing. The program aims to inform the community that a My Health Record will be created for them in 2018 unless they opt out.
The Australian Digital Health Agency is hosting a series of webinars over the coming months to support healthcare providers in becoming familiar with and confident in using the My Heath Record system. PHNs will have a key role in supporting healthcare providers use My Health Record.
Webinar 1: An Introduction to My Health Record
Date: Thursday 23/11/2017
Time: 5:00-6:00PM (AEDT)
Registration: To register for the webinar please click here
Webinar 2: Getting Connected to My Health Record
Date: Thursday 30/11/2017
Time: 5:00-6:00pm (AEDT)
Registration: To register for the webinar please click here
Codeine Rescheduling – make it OK to talk about problems with codeine
All codeine containing analgesics will require a prescription from 1 February.
Pharmacists have commenced talking with consumers about suitable alternative medications and non-medicine options for acute pain. These approaches will help most people who previously chose codeine-containing products for acute time-limited situations.
Some people will be facing the reality of codeine dependency which includes obtaining and taking large amounts daily, just to feel normal. In addition to the distressing physical, emotional and behavioural symptoms of substance dependence, these people are at risk of serious toxicity from the paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen included in the medicines.
What general practices can do:
- Ensure a practice-wide understanding of codeine dependence
- Communicate with your local community pharmacies
- Make it OK to talk about problems with codeine – ‘You are not alone with codeine dependence’
- Consider referring patients with problematic codeine use to the Medication Support and Recovery Service – a free service accessed via Community Health Services EMPHN is funding
- Learn about Opioid Replacement Therapy – all GPs can prescribe buprenorphine/naloxone for up to five patients without pharmacotherapy training or accreditation
- Request a QUM educational visit – De-Mystifying Opioid Replacement Therapy
- Seek support from Pharmacotherapy Area Based Networks to establish opioid replacement therapy services and access GP mentors
- Become familiar with local referral options for AOD support services
- Consider GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements to manage complexity
- See www.emphn.org.au/codeine for more information
TGA Workshop - Codeine Up-Scheduling
Tuesday 28 November, 6-9pm
Mantra on Russell, 222 Russell Street, Melbourne
This workshop aims to ensure health professionals dealing with chronic and acute pain management have alternative strategies to use in preparation for 1 February and beyond.
Further information and registration
National Cervical Screening Program Changes from 1 December
As part of the changes, a five yearly Cervical Screening Test will replace the two yearly Pap Test, and women will be invited to start cervical screening from 25 years (currently 18) and continue screening until they are 74 years (currently 69). Healthcare professionals that have ordered a Pap Test in the last 12 months has been sent a pack containing essential information about the changes to the program, as well as resources to assist them with communicating these changes to their patients.
If you have missed out on a pack they can be ordered from NCSP website www.cancerscreening.gov.au/cervical/resources at no cost.
MBS changes
From 1 December 2017, Pap Tests will no longer be eligible for Medicare rebates. The MBS items for cervical and vaginal pathology testing for pre-cancer and cancer have been updated in accordance with the changes to the program. Healthcare providers should be aware that if they order a pap test after 1 December, their patient may be charged for the test. Included in the pack is a range of resources to assist healthcare providers to understand these changes, including a poster with what to write on pathology request forms.
Online training
Online training modules hosted by NPS MedicineWise continue to be available at www.nps.org.au/cpd/activities/national-cervical-screening-program
For more information, contact NCSP on 12 15 56 or if you would like to discuss these changes contact Suzanne Gibson suzanne.gibson@emphn.org.au.
Keep up to date with EMPHN social media
Follow us on social media for the most up to date news from EMPHN.
Twitter: @EasternMelbPHN
LinkedIn: Eastern Melbourne PHN
Facebook: @emphn
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Industry News
TGA workshops: Codeine up-scheduling
The Department of Health Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is working in collaboration with Primary Health Networks and pain specialists to ensure health professionals dealing with chronic and acute pain management have alternative strategies to use in preparation for 1 February and beyond.
The TGA invites GPs to attend an evening workshop on the up-scheduling of codeine, and the opportunity to engage with senior TGA representatives as well as leading specialists in acute and chronic pain management and addiction.
Melbourne workshop
Date: Tuesday 28 November 2017
Time: Arrival 5pm for 6pm start
Location: Mantra on Russell, 222 Russell St Melbourne
Registration
If you are interested in attending, please email RSVPHPRGExecutive@health.gov.au with the following information:
- Full name of representative/s attending
- Name of organisation and/or your position
- Phone number and email address of attendees
- Topic suggestions for discussion panel
- The location of your event
- Dietary requirements if applicable
Coffee, tea and light finger food will be provided for an hour before the workshop commences.
If you have any further queries, please contact the TGA Regulatory Education Section on 1800 020 653 or email RSVPHPRGExecutive@health.gov.au.
Lung Health Awareness Month: Anyone can get lung disease
Lung disease affects one in four Australians and is the second leading cause of death.
Lung Foundation Australia’s latest research has revealed more than one third of Australians believe people with lung disease have only themselves to blame, while one in 10 will say they got what they deserved. When people say lung disease isn’t worthy of help, sadly, it makes those affected believe it too.
Stigma is a major barrier to accessing research, funding, treatment and support. It also has significant mental health impacts and causes delays in diagnosis.
Please help raise awareness and support during Lung Health Awareness Month, to find out more visit: lungfoundation.com.au/understand.
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beyondblue launch new campaign ‘Know when anxiety is talking’
The national campaign targets Australians aged 25 to 54 with mild-moderate anxiety who have not sought help. The campaign aims to promote understanding of anxiety as a common mental health condition more broadly in the community and recognition of early signs of anxiety for individuals.
The campaign encourages people visit the campaign website to take the anxiety checklist, and get support. It runs through TV, search engines, radio, social media and other digital channels, with active promotion ending 30 November 2017.
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Biannual Frankston Forum : Best approaches to sensitive clinic visits
Date: Wed 6 December
Location: Frankston
Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
More information
Prescribing Psychotropic Medications in General Practice - Box Hill
Date: Tues 5 December
Location: Box Hill
Time: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
More information
GP Palliative Care Approach Workshop
Date: Wed 13 December
Location: Wheelers Hill
Time: 6.00pm - 9.30pm
More Information
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