Practice Connect #141

31 March 2022

Welcome to this Practice Connect, a fortnightly update for practice managers, nurses and practice administration staff on relevant issues, upcoming events and education.

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PA-Icon-3-(5).JPG   COVID-19 Updates 



 

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Winter booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines

ATAGI recommends an additional booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine to increase vaccine protection before winter for selected population groups (see below) who are at greatest risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and who have received their primary vaccination and first booster dose. 

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Click on image to download or download here

ATAGI recommends the rollout of the winter dose for the above groups commence from April 2022 which will coincide with the rollout of the 2022 influenza vaccination program.

On the 25 March, the Australian Government advised that the additional winter COVID-19 vaccine dose can be:

  • given from 4 months or longer after receipt of a previous booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine OR
  • given from 4 months after a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection if this has occurred since the previous booster
  • In special circumstances, individuals may be able to receive their winter dose at a shorter interval, for example, in vaccination in-reach programs to aged care, disability care or remote communities, where some flexibility of the minimum interval may help vaccinate a larger proportion of individuals
  • co-administered with influenza vaccine.

According to Australian Government advice, COVID-19 vaccines Comirnaty (Pfizer) or Spikevax (Moderna) are the preferred vaccines for this winter dose.

Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) can be used when an mRNA vaccine is contraindicated or a patient declines vaccination with an mRNA vaccine.

Nuvaxovid (Novavax) can be used as a booster if no other COVID-19 vaccine is considered suitable for that individual.

This Australian Government Department of Health poster may help you communicate these changes to patients. 

Read the ATAGI statement


 

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New ATAGI poster on all COVID-19 recommended doses and vaccines, including the winter season  

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisations (ATAGI) have provided a detailed infographic of all COVID-19 Vaccine recommended doses and booster schedules, including for this winter season.
 
Review information for all age groups with advised timings for the entire vaccination course and guidelines for an additional booster before winter for select population groups.
 
View the printable poster here
 
The ATAGI recommendations on a winter booster dose can be viewed here

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Post COVID-19 testing information – updated resource

The WA Department of Health has recently updated the fact sheet ‘What to do when you test positive for COVID-19, to incorporate information on testing once an individual has recovered from COVID-19. This information is reflected in HealthPathways WA COVID-19 Assessment and Management pathway.


 

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Co-administration of COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines

Please be reminded that a COVID-19 vaccine can be co-administered with other vaccines, including an influenza vaccine and routine childhood and adolescent vaccines, if required. There have been reports of families being advised to book separate appointments for COVID-19 and other vaccines.

ATAGI advises that there are no minimum intervals between COVID-19 vaccination and other routine vaccination (i.e. HPV, dTpa, or meningococcal ACWY vaccines) on the basis that the benefits of ensuring timely vaccination to protect from vaccine-preventable diseases outweigh any potential risks associated with immunogenicity, local adverse reactions, or fever. 

When co-administering a COVID-19 vaccine and another vaccine, it is recommended to administer the vaccine in different limbs. 

For more information on the clinical recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines, visit the Commonwealth Department of Health website.

See useful patient resources here


 

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GP Respiratory Clinics available to see your symptomatic patients face-to-face

As the WA health sector responds to the increase of COVID-19 infections in the community, GP Respiratory Clinics (GPRCs) are available to see your symptomatic or COVID positive patients (both adults and children) face-to-face and via telehealth. GPRCs provide assessment and management for COVID-19, and are not just testing centres. They can follow up with COVID-19 positive patients who require clinical support.

This may be a good option if your practice cannot see them safely, reducing the risk of infection to staff and other patients. It also provides an option for COVID-19 positive telehealth patients that you think may need a face-to-face examination that cannot be done at your practice.

Read more and book an appointment here



 

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COVID- 19 HealthPathways Updates

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HealthPathways Overview

HealthPathways WA is a secure web-based portal with information on patient assessment, management, and referral pathways to assist clinicians in navigating patients through the complex primary, community and acute health care system in Western Australia. The pathways are developed by General Practitioners (GPs) to be used during consultation but can also be utilised by other health professionals.
 
During the COVID-19 pandemic HealthPathways has served as a valuable source of reliable and up-to-date information on the assessment and management of COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccination, personal protective equipment, and infection control measures.

 

COVID-19 Assessment and Management - Antiviral Information

Antiviral information can be found on the COVID-19 Assessment and Management pathway under the heading ‘Antiviral and Monoclonal Antibody Reference Guide’. Information listed of particular interest includes how to access treatment and the WA Department of Health (WA Health) COVID-19 Emergency Treatment Approval Forms which enables access to WA Health’s supply from the National Medical Stockpile. Please note these forms can only be completed by registered medical practitioners and the form links cannot be shared, bookmarked, or saved.
 


Recently Reviewed Pathways

To gain access to the site email the HealthPathways team at healthpathways@wapha.org.au, or to provide feedback use the “Send Feedback” button at the bottom of each page on the site.


 

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Reminder: COVID-19 vaccines can only be transferred between participating sites


Practices can only transfer COVID-19 vaccines between sites taking part in the vaccine program.
 
The Australian Government Department of Health only supports the transfer of vaccines between participating sites provided both sites: 

  • have been onboarded to provide the same vaccine type
  • agree to the transfer, and
  • maintain vaccine cold chain integrity during transportation.

If your practice is not currently onboarded to administer a specific vaccine type for example Nuvaxovid (Novavax) or paediatric Comirnaty (Pfizer) but would like to receive supplies of these from another site, please contact Practice Assist for information on submitting an EOI.


 

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Children aged 5 to 11 now due for second doses of COVID vaccine

It has been more than eight weeks since the first COVID-19 vaccine bookings were offered to 5 to 11 years olds.
 
Many children are now eligible for their second dose of their primary course.

The Australian Government Department of Health are encouraging practices to reach out to parents and carers of children who have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine to remind them they are now due for their second dose.
 
The Department has suggested that this is also a good opportunity to conduct whole-family vaccination appointments where available and offer adults their boosters.
 
Co-claiming can be used for these appointments, please refer to the MBS factsheet for further information.


 

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COVID Resources for your practice

Poster: Information on COVID-19 vaccines by type QR codes

This Australian Government Department of Health resource can assist patients who would like further information on types of vaccines.
 
The poster can be printed and displayed within practices.

 

WA Department of Health COVID-19 resources for Aboriginal patients

These resources provide information for Aboriginal patients on what to do if they test positive to COVID-19, how to get ready for a positive case and what to do if there is COVID-19 in their remote community.

 

COVID-19 vaccine comparison A3 poster

The Australian Government Department of Health has developed a poster providing key differences between each COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Australia as per the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) guidelines.

Download here


 

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Accreditation assessments for general practices in 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to create challenges for the Australian health system. In some instances, this may impact the ability of general practices to participate in on-site accreditation assessments to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Standards for general practice 5th edition.

To provide certainty for general practices and to facilitate accreditation assessments proceeding where possible, the following provisions for accreditation assessments apply during 2022:

  1. On-site assessment is to proceed, whenever safe and feasible.
     
  2. Hybrid assessment may occur where it is not possible for a full assessment team to be on-site. This assessment involves part of the assessment team being on-site and part of assessment team off-site.
     
  3. Off-site virtual assessment may be allowed in exceptional circumstances. All virtual assessments must be followed up with an on-site assessment.
     
  4. Accreditation can be maintained and the accreditation expiry date revised by up to six months. This option is available to general practices with assessments scheduled before 31 July 2022 that are experiencing COVID-19 related disruptions or unable to proceed due to public health orders imposing travel and border restrictions.

For more information and to find out how these arrangements apply to you, download the fact sheet on our National General Practice Accreditation Scheme page.

If you have questions, please email advicecentre@safetyandquality.gov.au

 

 

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AusVaxSafety data show children experience fewer side effects from COVID-19 vaccine

Latest COVID-19 vaccine safety data from AusVaxSafety active surveillance indicates that children aged 5–11 years are reporting fewer side effects than older Australians following their dose 2 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination.

33 per cent of children experienced one or more expected side effects, compared with 53 per cent of the Australian population aged 12 years and older, in the first 3 days following their dose 2 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination.

Children aged 5–11 years were also less likely to visit a doctor or emergency department following dose 2 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination than older Australians, with medical attendance rates similar to those reported for other childhood immunisations.

Access the data here


 

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Transition to national PPE distribution system

From 24 March 2022, all PPE orders from general practices which qualify for Living with COVID PPE Bundles from the National Medical Stockpile will be dispatched through a national distribution system. This will be overseen by the Australian Government Department of Health and run by DHL.
 
This change will support a more streamlined approach to PPE distribution and provide greater visibility of stock tracking and delivery via a national distribution centre.
 
WA Primary Health Alliance’s role will be to receive and validate orders, then release them into the national ordering system.
 

How to submit an order in the interim

General practices should continue to submit orders using their organisation’s personalised link to the WA Primary Health Alliance PPE order form. If you cannot find your personalised link, please email pperesponse@wapha.org.au
 

How to submit an order under the new system

There will be no change to the way in which general practices submit their orders.

However, the form has been updated as general practices must now include the Provider ID numbers of relevant general practitioners managing COVID positive patients for whom the PPE is sought. These numbers will be used by the Australian Government Department of Health to ensure correct allocations of PPE.
 

Processing and delivery

WA Primary Health Alliance will validate orders before releasing them into the national system within 24 to 48 hours of receipt, or the following business day for orders received after 12pm on a Friday.
 
DHL will email a purchase order confirmation that general practices can use to track their order. Delivery timelines will vary depending on location.
 
You can continue to send any queries to pperesponse@wapha.org.au and, if necessary, we will escalate these to the Australian Government Department of Health.
 
Read the fact sheet on the new process, including confirmation of which general practitioners are eligible for Living with COVID Bundles, here.

 

 

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PA-Icon-14-(3).JPG   Digital Health Updates 


 

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Digital Health - 'How To Series' - My Health Record (new)

In our last edition of Practice Connect, we discussed the new Digital Health - 'How To Series' available by visiting our  Digital Health Toolkit  webpage.
 
Each fortnight we will upload, videos, imagery and written information on all the important Digital Health tools. All you have to do is click here choose what way you want to learn more.
 
This fortnight we are fully focused on My Health Record. You will find written information as well as videos on everything to do with My Health Record. We have pulled together an FAQ on My Health Record so if you have a specific question, we are sure it will be answered there, if it is not please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss further.
 
As this ‘how to’ series is new to WAPHA we would love to hear your feedback, especially if you find the information useful and if so, what medium do you prefer it in. You can email us with your feedback or any questions you may have on ehealth@wapha.org.au


 

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End of image-based Prescribing

Image-based prescribing will ended on 31 March 2022

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With interim arrangements for image-based or digital image prescribing in community settings coming to an end 31 March 2022, prescribers are encouraged to use electronic prescriptions (eScripts) where appropriate during telehealth and face-to-face consultations. 

Image-based prescribing was introduced at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 and the WA Government Department of Health outlined the interim arrangements regarding the use of digital images for the supply of medicines during telehealth consultations.

Existing repeats of paper prescriptions written and dispensed via image-based prescribing before 31 March 2022 may continue to be dispensed from the original copy. 

All new prescriptions written from 1 April 2022 will only be dispensed from an original paper or eScript.   

For further information, refer to the fact sheet with a guide for prescribers from the Australian Government Department of Health.

This fact sheet can help patients understand the process of accessing medicines through electronic prescribing.  
 
If your general practice team requires assistance with electronic prescribing, contact the Digital Health Team via Practice Assist, access videos, how-to guides, and FAQs at WAPHA's Digital Health Toolkit or visit HealthPathways WA - Electronic Prescribing (email HealthPathways WA for login details).


 

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Healthdirect Video Call platform

The Department of Health has funded access to the HealthDirect Video Call platform to 30 June 2022.

This provides free Video Call access for general practitioners working in private practice and/or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).

  • For GPs in private practice wanting to start using the service, please register your practice. For GPs in ACCHOs wanting to start using the service, please register for access.
  • For training and education on the use of the platform, including CPD accredited webinars, see the HealthDirect portal or contact the Digital Health Team via Practice Assist



 

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PA-Icon-10-(4).JPG   Immunisation & Cancer Screening Updates 



 

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Government-funded influenza vaccine ordering update

  • Pre-allocation deliveries of Fluad® Quad commenced on Monday 28 March. You will receive a despatch email from Onelink when your vaccines are ready for distribution, and you should receive your vaccines within 24 hours of receiving the despatch email.
  • IMPORTANT: If you login to Onelink you will notice that your ordering template is currently unavailable and you won’t be able to order vaccines. Please do not contact Onelink at this time.
  • All vaccines, including influenza vaccines, will be orderable soon. You will be notified when ordering is open. Please monitor your emails for further information
  • Influenza vaccination clinics should be scheduled after your service has received enough vaccine doses
  • For information on the 2022 WA Influenza vaccination program, please visit Vaccine Update 291 - Government-funded Influenza Immunisation Program
  • If you have any queries, please contact vaccineorders@health.wa.gov.au
 

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2022 NIP Influenza Vaccination program     

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Vaccination against influenza is important this year with the Australian community potentially more vulnerable to the virus.

With the easing of international and domestic public health measures arising from the COVID-19 global pandemic, a resurgence of influenza is expected in 2022, with the Australian community potentially more vulnerable to the virus this Winter.

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all people aged 6 months and over (unless contraindicated). The National Immunisation Program (NIP) funds influenza vaccines for people most at risk.

2022 influenza vaccines for the NIP will become available from 4 April, subject to local supply arrangements in states and territories. The public are encouraged to start to book their appointments from mid-April to ensure the best protection at the peak of the season which is usually between June and September.
 

 

Advice for vaccination providers

  • Ordering 2022 influenza vaccines – if you have not done so already, place orders as soon as possible for 2022 NIP influenza vaccines through the usual channels in your state or territory. Contact your state or territory immunisation program if you have any questions about ordering vaccine.
  • Ensure vaccine safety – always check the patient’s age before vaccination and ensure that you use the correct vaccine for their age.
  • Support influenza and COVID-19 vaccination – influenza vaccine can be safely co‑administered (given on the same day) with COVID-19 vaccines. Consider opportunities to increase uptake of influenza vaccines by co‑administering with COVID-19 vaccines where appropriate.  The best protection this winter will be to receive an influenza vaccine and be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including any recommended booster doses.
  • Promote the free vaccine to eligible people – vaccination coverage dropped in 2021, particularly in children under 5 years of age. It is important to encourage uptake among your eligible patients.
  • Report to the Australian Immunisation Register – it is mandatory for vaccination providers to report all influenza vaccinations administered. This will support accurate coverage reporting and management of the influenza program.
  • Recall patients who may have missed routine vaccinations – patients may have missed routine vaccinations over the COVID-19 period, and you are encouraged to catch them up as soon as possible.  This includes missed childhood, adolescent or adult vaccinations funded under the NIP.


Resources to support vaccination

Clinical information to support administration practice include: Promotional materials including posters and brochures are being distributed to GPs, select medical specialists who see patients who would benefit from vaccination, General Practices and Aboriginal Medical Services nationwide, with extra resources available to be ordered. View the 2022 influenza resource collection.

 

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2022 Influenza Online Education Module – now LIVE

The WA Department of Heath 2022 influenza online education module is now LIVE. The influenza module has been developed to support immunisation providers to undertake an annual refresher on this topic and provides the user with up-to-date information for the upcoming 2022 influenza season.

In order to access the influenza module, as well as the full library of Immunisation Update modules, users are required to complete a registration form. Your request will be responded to within 3 working days. Please note: please look out for an email from Rise Education with a link to complete the modules.

Once access is provided, users will have two weeks to complete the module and obtain a copy of their certificate. Please note: user access to the platform will be automatically removed at the end of the two-week period. WA Health does not keep a record of any assessments or certificates, and it is up to the user to save a copy for their records.


 

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Japanese encephalitis resources

As of March 2022, the Japanese encephalitis (JE) situation in Australia has been declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance. The Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) causes JE, a vaccine-preventable disease.

Recently, the Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases hosted a webinar in which Professor Tom Solomon and local experts delivered an update for Australian clinicians. Watch a replay of the webinar below.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and the Australian Communicable Diseases Network have developed resources that outline the vaccines available to prevent JE and who they are recommended for.

 For the latest information and medical advice, visit the Australian Government Department of Health 'Health alert' web page for JEV. 


 

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Digital Transformation of Cancer Screening – a message from the NCSR

There have been many articles over the years about how the healthcare system is keeping the use of fax machines alive. Although we’re seeing a significant reduction in paper around general practice, there is still more work to do in the adoption of secure messaging channels.
 
The National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) is helping reduce the reliance on fax within the healthcare system with the introduction of new digital channels. In just one year, the number of fax requests for cervical screening histories received by the NCSR has dropped by 94%, due to the release of secure online alternatives to access and submit patient screening information in real-time.
 
In October 2020, the NCSR released an online portal for GPs and practice staff to access patient data via PRODA. This was followed by integrating the NCSR with clinical information systems, Best Practice in January 2021, MedicalDirector in August 2021 and Communicare in December 2021, allowing users of these systems to access and submit data to the Register, directly from within a patient record.
 
Having access to a patient screening status from within a patient record can prompt an extremely valuable discussion around early detection and potentially lead to opportunistic screening. Noticing a patient is overdue for bowel screening and understanding why a patient discarded their recent iFOBT kit can lead to a potentially life saving consultation. The new functionality now provides GPs with the opportunity to order a replacement test kit to be issued directly to a patient’s address.
 
Having prompt, real-time access to cervical screening histories is also reducing the number of unnecessary cervical screening tests performed which often result in patients being charged if they are not due for a test.
 
Read more here


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Immunisation Featured Event - Register Now!



 

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Webinar-1-pink-(1).jpg   Other news


 

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Introducing The WELL Collaborative!

Do you work with people living with overweight or obesity? Then the Weight Education and Lifestyle Leadership (WELL) Collaborative is here for you!
 
The WELL collaborative is a group of people working in the health and community sector, and people living in larger bodies who want to work together to change the way they talk and think about weight. The WELL Collaborative is led in partnership by Health Networks, WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA), and the Health Consumers’ Council (HCC).
 
Their focus is to change the stigmatised ways in which our society often thinks and talks about weight, to improve the quality of health services available to people who want to change their lifestyle to live healthier, on their own negotiated terms. Their focus also aims to support health professionals to work with their clients in respectful, empowering and non-stigmatising ways.
 
They understand that every weight journey is unique and our health and community services should be supported to respond to this need; for the health of our whole community.
 
Check out The WELL Collaborative website at thewellcollaborative.org.au to find training on how to have supportive conversations about weight, policy resources, stories from consumers, including insights about their weight journeys, and much more.
 
The WELL Collaborative community and website is ever growing and evolving, and are excited for you to join them on this journey.
 

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13YARN - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line

13YARN (13 92 76) is our first national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support line; a collaboration between Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) and Lifeline. The service is run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mob and offers confidential, one-on-one yarning and support 24/7!!

Further information here

View resources for your practice here
 
13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
 

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Launch of For When - National Helpline for Expectant and New Parents

ForWhen  is a new national service that connects parents experiencing moderate to severe perinatal mental health issues navigating the complex waters of pregnancy and new parenthood to the critical mental health services they need most.

Karitane has joined forces with other early parenting services across Australia to launch this new national initiative supporting the mental health of expectant and new parents. ForWhen provides new and expecting parents – mums, dads, and guardians – with a caring, supportive mental health navigation service, to guide families throughout their perinatal journey, from baby’s conception until their first birthday.
 
Please visit forwhenhelpline.org.au for more information.

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Text to Detect: National Heart Health Check Recall Program 2022

Would your practice like to be involved in one of the largest quality improvement programs in Australian primary care?

Taking the learnings from our pilot in 2021, which reached over 42,000 Australians, we will soon be launching Phase 2 of the program which aims to increase the number of Australians who visit their general practice for Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk screening.

The Text to Detect – National Heart Health Check Recall program aims to support general practice with the targeted identification and management of CVD via an efficient recall system. Recall activities will be supported by GoShare Plus, an SMS recall tool that is embedded within CAT4. Practices will also be supported by practical tools and resources that will help them conduct and streamline Heart Health Checks.

To find out more about this opportunity and to hear from practices who participated in the recall pilot last year click here

Please visit the program webpage for more information.


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ASHM Resources: Hepatitis C & Sexual Health

HCV in Children: Australian Commentary on AASLD-IDSA Guidance

This document provides Australian (AU) Commentary on the AASLD-IDSA HCV Guidance: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Children. Recommendations for testing, managing, and treating hepatitis C.

Australian commentary has only been provided where needed in order to provide additional clarification or detail variations found in the Australian setting.
Topics cover testing; transmission and prevention; monitoring and medical management; whom and when to treat among children and adolescents with HCV infection; and HCV antiviral therapy for children and adolescents.

Available here 

Decision making – Hepatitis C in Children

This two-page summary was developed from the HCV in Children: Australian Commentary on AASLD-IDSA Guidance.

The resource supports clinicians to provide advice and manage hepatitis C in children.

Page 1 provides recommendations on which tests to order and when testing of babies born to mothers with hepatitis C infection should occur. Page 2 covers natural history; transmission and prevention; parental advice; HCV treatment; monitoring and medical management, including lifestyle recommendations; and specialist referral indications.

Available here  

Trans and Gender Diverse Sexual Health Care e-learning

ASHM & ACON’s Trans and Gender Diverse Sexual Health Care e-learning has been co-designed and developed for clinicians working in a sexual health clinical setting or delivering sexual health care in primary health care settings.
 
The e-learning consists of five modules: 

  • Trans and gender diverse community 
  • Sex and sexual health 
  • Trans people and reproductive health 
  • An introduction to gender affirming health care 
  • Creating safe and inclusive environments 

Through interactive quizzes and real-world case scenarios, learners recognise affirming trans clients leads to better health outcomes, healthier people, and communities, and reduced mental and physical health disparities. 
 
The e-learning emphasises the importance of individualised care thereby not making assumptions and asking clients in a sensitive and affirming way their wants and needs from health care. 
 
The e-learning also challenges the notion of cisgenderism within health care settings, specifically in relation to reproductive health care, and challenges learners to consider ways to address this within their own practice and clinical setting. 
 
The overall direction of the e-learning is to ensure learners recognise that trans and gender diverse communities are experts of their own experience. Clinicians should always work collaboratively with their clients to achieve the best health outcomes.  
 
Available here



 

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East Metropolitan Health Services: Review of Outpatient Referrals Not Meeting Referral Access Criteria

To help manage long waiting lists and allow prioritisation of patients who need hospital outpatient review, the East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS) has started to review referrals of patients waiting for a first outpatient appointment to ensure they meet the Referral Access Criteria (RAC) for public outpatient services recently released by the WA Department of Health.
 
The review will commence with Royal Perth Urology referrals not meeting the RAC which do not have an appointment booked. These patients will be written to and asked to book to see their GP to arrange for an updated referral if they believe they still need a public outpatient appointment. The hospital will also write to the GP currently nominated for that patient.
 
EMHS plans to move on to ENT and Neurology referrals after their RACs go live. 
 
The RAC and further information, including a series of FAQs, are available on the WA Department of Health Referral Access Criteria webpage https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/N_R/Referral-Access-Criteria.

HealthPathways WA also contains more information on assessment, management and referral of these conditions. If needed, please Request a login or email healthpathways@wapha.org.au
 


 

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Toolkit-(1).jpg   Practice Assist Tool Kit (Resource Library)




pink under construction sign - Google Search | Construction signs,  Construction quotes, Under constructionOur Resource Library page and accompanying resources are currently under review, and still readily available with the integration into our Toolkit pages on our Practice Assist website.

The Tool Kit provides useful fact sheets, user guides, checklists, business plans, posters and other resources covering all aspects of the day-to-day operations of successful general practices. 

Please see below links for quick reference with assisting you to view our Toolkit pages where you will find our most current and available resources.
 



Recently published resources:

COVID-19 Resources

Digital Health

Video - How To Series


Fact Sheets - How To Series


If you have an idea for a new resource or feedback on our current resources, please email practiceassist@wapha.org.au with ideas and comments.
 


 

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Webinar-1.jpg    Education & Events 


 

Featured Events & Training 

 

 

Managing seasonal respiratory viruses: Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 in Winter 2022             

Tuesday 5 April 2022 (10.00 am - 11.30 am WST)

Join the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS)  annual influenza webinar and find out what you need to know to be prepared for influenza and COVID-19 vaccination in 2022. 

Hear from leading experts in the field on:

  • the 2022 influenza vaccination program, including administration of influenza vaccines with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
  • influenza vaccination recommendations across the life-span, including for pregnant women, infants and children, and the elderly
  • considerations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities
  • and more…

Register here

Good Care for Mental Health Consumers in Emergency Departments Workshop

Wednesday 27 April 2022 (10am to 3pm)

Many people in Western Australia go to a hospital Emergency Department (ED) to receive mental health care and some return to ED many times. The Department of Health’s Mental Health Unit invites you to a workshop to share your views about ways to improve care provided to people before, during and after an ED visit for mental health reasons. The workshop will be run in partnership with Consumers of Mental Health WA and include presentations on what we have found out so far.

View the flyer here

Register here
 

Alcohol & Other Drug Network - a Project ECHO Initiative

Session Three: Who Can You Call? Services and Supports for primary care practitioners

Thursday 28 April 2022 (6.00pm – 7:30pm WST)

The Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD)Network commences their third session, if you have an interest in:

  • Overview of treatment and support services for patients
  • Clinical support tools for primary care practitioners
  • Knowing your local support options
then this Network meeting is for you.
 
Dr Richard O'Regan, Addiction Medicine Consultant at Royal Perth Hospital, following the role as the Director of Clinical Services at Next Step Drug and Alcohol Services, will lead the discussion of AOD services in WA.
 
Participants then have an opportunity to present a real-life case and to ask peers and subject matter experts questions on the best evidence based approach to helping complex alcohol and other drug cases. If you have a question for like-minded peers and AOD subject matter experts, let us know in the registration and we will contact you.
 
Please Register here to join.
 
Registrations are open for the remainder of the series. Sessions are held in a drop-in format every fourth Thursday of the month, for 75 minutes.
 
Eligible attendees of the peer learning program will receive CPD points recognised with RACGP and ACRRM.
 
Please visit the Project Page for more information or contact Project ECHO Officer, Isobel Storey, at Isobel.storey@wapha.org.au for queries or questions.
 

NPS MedicineWise – Youth Mental Health

NPS MedicineWise continue to offer convenient ways to access their free, evidence based clinical education with topics to support best practice care.
An NPS MedicineWise Educational Visitor will be in Broome 22 to 25  March to deliver their topic on Youth Mental Health to local GPs.
 
Mental health and young people: opportunities to empower and engage

Book here 

This program is designed to help GPs assess people aged 16–24 years who present with psychological distress, and discuss medicines and non-medicine management options for depression and anxiety disorders.

The educational visit will focus on how to engage with young people to empower them and increase their autonomy, and support informed decision-making. The visit will consider psychosocial assessment, safety planning, the role for medicines, monitoring and review of agreed management options and the role for family and other supports. 

NPS MedicineWise educational visits are recognised by the RACGP & ACRRM CPD programs and available as:
  • One-on-one discussion: 30-minute in-practice discussion for GPs, tailored to individual learning needs.
  • Virtual visit: covid safe via video call.
  • Small-group: 1-hour in-practice meeting for up to 10 health professionals (GPs, pharmacists and nurses).
All visits will comply with current state and territory regulations for social distancing.

NPS MedicineWise are funded by the Commonwealth to promote evidence based health information, to support informed health decisions and the quality use of medicines.  Visit www.nps.org.au for more information.
 

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) - Webinar recordings

Webinar recordings (late 2021)

WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) is delighted to share the learning content of two webinars that were delivered by National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in late 2021.

Both seminars were delivered by the National Disability Insurance Agency, in collaboration with We the People and St John of God Midland.  

See below for the individual session topics and the links to the recording.

 
Session 1: GP and Health Professionals - Accessing the NDIS Information Seminar

Topics covered:

  • NDIS overview - Evidence of Psychosocial Disability form
  • Funded supports between the NDIS and Health Department
  • Dedicated Q&A session
Access the recording here
 


Session 2: GPs and Health Professionals - NDIS Mental Health Information Session

Topics covered:
  • NDIS overview
  • Evidence of Psychosocial Disability form
  • Funded supports between the NDIS and Health Department
  • Dedicated Q&A session

Access the recording here

Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) outbreak in Australia – webinar recording  

Access this recorded webinar, held on 17 March, to hear from experts on the emerging Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) outbreak in Australia. The webinar includes a presentation from Professor Tom Solomon, who has more than 30 years of experience working on Japanese encephalitis. The panel also had NCIRS Director Professor Kristine Macartney providing information on the currently available vaccines, their efficacy, and safety. 

View the webinar here
 

 

 

Other Webinars, Events & Workshops

BreastScreen WA mobile visit CARNARVON
Presented by BreastScreen WA
16 March to 11 April

STI and BBV Nursing: Management and Care
Presented by ASHM
4, 5, 11 & 12 April

COVID-19 & Diabetes
Presented by Diabetes Australia
5 April

Hepatitis B Case Discussion
Presented by ASHM
6 April

Eliciting and Responding to Emotional Cues
Presented by Palliative and Supportive Care Education (PaSCE)
7 April

Conversations that Work
Presented by Leaders for Life & AAPM
7 & 8 April

BreastScreen WA mobile visit to Geraldton
Presented by BreastScreen WA
13 April to 17 October
Coeliac Disease
Presented by Diabetes WA
20 April
BreastScreen WA mobile visit to Bullsbrook
Presented by BreastScreen WA
22 April to 6 May
BreastScreen WA mobile visit to Byford
Presented by BreastScreen WA
26 April to 24 May
GP Education Evening - Melanoma Institute Australia
Presented by Melanoma Institute Australia
28 April

Practice Owners National Conference registrations are open
Presented by RACGP
14 to 15 May

Hepatitis C in Drug and Alcohol Settings
Presented by ASHM
28 May

2022 ACNP National Conference: Inspiring Future Growth for Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Practice
Presented by ANCP
13-15 October 

 

Practice Assist acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Owners and Elders of this country and recognises the significant importance of their cultural heritage, values and beliefs and how these contribute to the positive health and wellbeing of the whole community.

Disclaimer
While the Australian Government Department of Health has contributed to the funding of this website, the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.