2 May 2024
WA Primary Health Alliance 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. Throughout this newsletter, the term 'Aboriginal' is used to refer to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, unless stated otherwise.
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Anna Teki (Practice Manager) with the team at Wangara Medical Centre After installing Primary Sense and attending numerous training events hosted by WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA), the team at Wangara Medical Centre is now leveraging the powerful data tool to improve patient care and outcomes in their practice. Anna Teki, Practice Manager at Wangara Medical Centre, explained that she was initially hesitant to use Primary Sense when it was first introduced, however after exploring the features of the tool and witnessing how the reporting functions could support practice audits, she could see the benefits of using it to enhance the care of patients. “When we started using Primary Sense reports, we focused on running easy reports such as checking patients who would be eligible for Cardio Vascular Services and finding reports like missing PIP QI measures with patients booked in the next two weeks. This was a great quality improvement activity involving all of the reception team,” Ms Teki said. Joe Staniszewski, WAPHA Practice QI Coach, said that the team at Wangara Medical Centre was now taking a novel approach by running Primary Sense reports on chronic lung disease and asthma patients to identify those who have not undergone specialist evaluation or diagnostic testing and recalling them for follow-up appointments. “The team at Wangara Medical Centre is an incredibly proactive team that utilises quality improvement to ensure that their most vulnerable patients receive comprehensive care. They are actively using the Primary Sense tool by running reports and doing various audits on patients with low eGFRs, chronic lung disease, osteoporosis and more,” Mr Staniszewski said. Ms Teki explained that their general practitioners are also enjoying the benefits of Primary Sense and finding the prompts and alerts very helpful for ensuring that patients receive enhanced care. “It is fair to say we as a practice are enjoying Primary Sense tremendously and can see improved patient outcomes using this tool. We would like to thank Jenay Larson, WAPHA Primary Care Navigator, and Joe Staniszewski, WAPHA Practice QI Coach, for assisting with quality improvement and providing resources and information. The assistance from the WAPHA team has made it so much easier to embrace Primary Sense and use the tool to its fullest,” Ms Teki said. For further information or support with using Primary Sense, call Practice Assist on 1800 2 ASSIST (1800 2 277 478 or 08 6278 7900) or email practiceassist@wapha.org.au
Talking about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be hard, but they are common and nothing to feel ashamed about. The Department of Health and Aged Care now has a stakeholder pack with information people can use to help them talk to their doctor or sexual partner(s) about STIs. The pack has helpful resources including a factsheet, frequently asked questions, and social media tiles that can easily be shared. Translated resources are available here in Arabic, Mandarin, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Punjabi and Cantonese. Share these resources with your community and patients to help promote safe sexual health.
Rural Health Connect has launched a new service to provide telehealth psychology sessions to women and families who have experienced stillbirth or miscarriage. The sessions are bulk-billed or available at low cost, depending on a person’s situation, and they can ask for an interpreter if they need one. The Australian Government has identified several population groups at an increased risk of stillbirth and pregnancy loss and is supporting this project. People supported via this service:
A referral is needed from a doctor. Remember to ask for a Mental Health Treatment Plan to access the free or low-cost appointments. You can share this video to learn more about Rural Health Connect. For more information, email info@ruralhealthconnect.com.au
Do you know a person, team or practice who goes above and beyond to improve the health of their community? Nominate them for a Stronger Medicare Award! The Stronger Medicare Awards honour and recognise our Medicare Champions who:
Nominations close on 30 June 2024.
Nominate now for the Stronger Medicare Awards!
From 1 May to 30 June 2024, immunisation providers (general practices, community pharmacies, Aboriginal Medical Services, Nurse Practitioner clinics, corporate vaccination service providers and participating community health clinics) will be able to administer free state-funded influenza vaccines to people aged 5 to 64 years not otherwise eligible for a free vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). The Free Influenza Vaccine Program aims to provide influenza vaccines for persons aged 5 to 64 years who are not otherwise eligible for a free influenza vaccine through other programs. Immunisation providers are able to order the free vaccines through the Onelink ordering system. Some ordering limits may apply, but weekly ordering is possible for the first 6 weeks. There will be no reimbursement program this year. Immunisation providers are required to report all influenza vaccinations administered to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR); this includes NIP, state-funded, and privately purchased vaccines.
As of 22 April 2024, more than 2500 infants in WA have received a dose of the nirsevimab (Beyfortus®) immunisation. While this is a significant achievement, WA Department of Health reminds providers to continue to actively recall eligible infants (through text messages and social media) before the RSV season begins. An RSV social media post could include the following information:
Adolescents and young adults have high rates of meningococcal carriage and are thought to play an important role in transmitting the bacteria in the community. Adolescents and young adults aged 15–24 years who live in close quarters, such as military recruits and students living in residential accommodation, are recommended to receive a single dose of meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine as well as 2 doses of meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine. All adolescents aged 15–19 years and smokers aged 15–24 years are also recommended to receive meningococcal vaccines. There is no brand preference for either the MenACWY or the MenB vaccines – importantly, though, the same brand should be used for both MenB doses. Both MenACWY and MenB vaccines can be co-administered with other vaccines. More detailed information is available in the Australian Immunisation Handbook meningococcal chapter. Access the chapter here.
All Immunisation Providers in WA would have received communication regarding current stock levels of Shingrix in WA. Additional supply of the vaccine will be arriving in Australia in the first week of May, expected in WA by the second week of May. Until this new stock arrives, the maximum order has been reduced to ensure that supplies are available for those that are at higher risk of shingles, or due their second dose in May. Please keep the lowered supply in mind when you next order. The full letter from Communicable Disease Control Directorate is available to view here.
Following the closure of the Australian Q Fever Register (Q Fever Register) on 15th April 2024, vaccination providers should report Q fever (Q-VAX) vaccines and natural immunity information to the AIR. In relation to the historical records stored within the Q Fever Register, individuals can continue to use their Q Fever eStatement as vaccination evidence. Alternatively, they can take their Q Fever eStatement to a recognised vaccination provider in Australia and have the details reported to the AIR. Vaccination providers can update the individual’s record on the AIR based on the information in the Q Fever eStatement and other supporting documentation, taking into account the recommendations made within the Australian Immunisation Handbook. The Australian Meat Processer Corporation (AMPC) has informed all individuals on the Q Fever Register of this change and provided instructions on how to have their Q fever vaccination details reported to the AIR. The AMPC will distribute further reminders to these individuals in Nov 2024 and May 2025 to ensure they access and download the eStatement before 30 June 2025. For more information on reporting information to the AIR, please visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/hpair
The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care invites all vaccine providers to attend a webinar, hosted by Professor Paul Kelly, about the 2024 flu season and respiratory illnesses. Register Now to receive further information. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with event details and webinar link to add to your calendar. If you can't attend the webinar live, you can watch the recording whenever it suits you best using this link. The recording will be available within the week following the live webinar.
The 8th Annual Immunisation Forum (AIF) hybrid event will take place at the Stamford Plaza Hotel in Brisbane on June 14, 2024, immediately following the PHAA’s Communicable Diseases & Immunisation Conference (CDIC). This full day event will cover topics that include new vaccine technology and strategies and tactics to increase vaccination rates. The meeting is ideal for GPs, practice nurses, specialists, pharmacists and other immunisation specialists. View the program. Register to attend online.
Bowel cancer can develop without any signs. It usually starts as small growths called polyps, which can grow and become cancer. Regular screening saves lives. If found early, over 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated. The National Cancer Screening Register supports the program by inviting and reminding participants to screen. This is now done in 2 effective ways. Through the mail out program and the new Alternate Access Model General Practices now have access to a small amount of kits to keep in clinic. You are then encouraged to have conversations with eligible clients, register the kit to them in NCSR and give to them to take home. Many patients are more likely to complete the test after discussing the process with a trusted healthcare provider. You play an important role in helping your patients make informed decisions about bowel cancer screening. For further information on how to order the kits and allocate them from your practice, head to the website or contact Jodie.Robins@wapha.org.au
The National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) has created a portal for healthcare providers to access screening information for their patients. The NCSR function helps your team with:
For more information view the National Cancer Screening register here.
The Royal College of General Practitioners (NSW&ACT) recently hosted a webinar on enhancing Cancer screening in the primary care setting. Although based on screening rates in NSW, the webinar promotes the Primary Care Cancer Control Quality Improvement Toolkit. The Primary Care Cancer Control Quality Improvement Toolkit provides general practices with a clear and easy-to-follow roadmap for improving cancer screening rates. This toolkit, from the Cancer Institute of NSW, will guide your practice through the steps required to:
View the webinar here Access the toolkit here
Join Cancer Council WA for this education session. This breast cancer event features three presentations from radiology, medical oncology, and surgical perspectives. Topics will cover medical imaging and treatment modalities, referral pathways, as well as follow-up and surveillance. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into breast cancer care. For further information and to register, click here.
The WA Cancer Fellowships program (previously the WACPCN Cancer Fellowships) is designed to assist medical practitioners to expand their experience and skills that will ultimately lead to improved health outcomes for cancer patients in WA. Applicants may apply for either the research or training stream. Applications close 1:00PM AWST, Monday 27 May 2024 and must be submitted by the due date through MedJobsWA (Reference No. 12106). Late applications will not be accepted. Please ensure that all necessary approvals are obtained and the application form is completed before submitting. For further information, please refer to the WA Cancer Fellowships website, or for advice on submitting applications, please contact the Department of Health’s Cancer Network by email at cancernetwork@health.wa.gov.au
WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) on behalf of the Department of Health and Aged Care are engaging with residential aged care homes regarding COVID-19 booster vaccinations. ATAGI have updated their COVID-19 booster vaccination advice and recommendations for 2024. The Department is seeking the required information on the number of residents that are due for COVID-19 vaccinations, the plans surrounding COVID-19 vaccination clinics and who will be administering the vaccines.
WAPHA’s COVID-19 vaccination team can assist with sourcing vaccination providers and providing information and feedback to the Department. WAPHA also have a new and exciting funding model to assist vaccination providers that will be released in coming weeks. The Department have developed an Aged Care Consent FAQ to support older people and their families to have informed conversations about COVID-19 vaccination. If a facility your GP attends has any upcoming clinics for influenza immunisation, please also consider co-administration with a COVID-19 vaccination. If you require any assistance or have any queries, please email racfvaccination@wapha.org.au
The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care through WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) has been providing funding to WA general practices for the provision of COVID-19 vaccinations for patients who do not hold a Medicare card or are ineligible for Medicare.
The latest Provider Bulletin has been provided by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care and includes an update on vaccine supply.
The Immunisation Coalition is completing a series of webinars in a co-ordinated approach to improve Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV vaccination through primary care. The second webinar of the series has been confirmed . Each webinar is an update of the previous month with the panel discussion focusing on how the influenza, COVID-19 and RSV season is progressing and strategies around increasing vaccination rates. Register now for the second webinar here.
Join the Immunisation Coalition’s for its annual update on COVID-19 in Australia for GPs, Immunisation Nurses, Pharmacists, and other immunisation professionals. With the latest facts about COVID-19 and vaccination, this webinar covers everything you need to know about the disease and available vaccines. Register here
The RACGP has partnered with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) to mark Privacy Awareness Week (PAW) 2024, which will run from 6-12 May. This year’s PAW theme is ‘power up’, inspiring individuals and organisations to focus on privacy and technology, along with the key principles of transparency, accountability and security. Your practice plays a fundamental role in ensuring the privacy of patient health information. Let PAW serve as a reminder to review your practice’s policies and processes relating to managing your patients’ health information, and to make privacy a priority in your personal life too. What will you do to power up for PAW? You could:
You can find out more about PAW 2024, including how to become a PAW supporter, on the OAIC’s website.
Education & Events
Immunisation remains one of the most successful and cost-effective advances in global public health, protecting against serious diseases. General practice plays an important role in encouraging patients to consider the benefits. Join the fifth webinar in the popular WA Primary Health Alliance Immunisation Series and hear from Professor Paul Effler, Senior Medical Advisor, Communicable Disease Control Directorate at the WA Department of Health. This webinar will cover the following topics:
Find out more and register today.
Presented by Black Dog Institute Multiple Dates & Times
Please make your GPs and GP registrars aware that they can attend free online training sessions throughout the 2024 calendar year with a choice of target topics including:
CPD hours are available for the online training sessions. For more information, dates and registration links, visit WAPHA’s suicide prevention webpage.
General practice staff can attend free suicide prevention training workshops in Armadale, Bunbury, Esperance, Kalgoorlie, Manjimup and Midland. The training workshops are delivered by Wesley LifeForce and supported by WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA). For further information or to register for an upcoming workshop, visit WAPHA’s suicide prevention webpage.
WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) is providing GPs in WA with paid online Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) training, designed to help practitioners and clinicians recommend the most appropriate level of care for a person seeking mental health support. GPs and GP registrars who attend the two workshops in the one online session will be remunerated $300 and CPD hours are available. May IAR-DST training dates:
To find out more, view the April flyer, the May flyer or the WAPHA IAR-DST webpage.
In 2024, the HealthPathways WA team will run three live demonstrations facilitated online by a GP Clinical Editor. These sessions will demonstrate how to integrate HealthPathways into your clinical practice and maximise user experience. Learn key functionalities of the portal and how to access condition specific tools and resources, Referral Access Criteria (RAC) (where available), GPbook Specialist Directory and specialist regional rosters. Sessions have been approved for 1 CPD Educational Hour with the RACGP and will be held online on the following dates:
Open to all health professionals registered to practice in WA as well as general practice staff. For more information or to register, please refer the event flyer.
For the second year, the one day Peel Health Forum provides an opportunity to update your skills and knowledge while networking with other Peel primary care health professionals. Delivered by experts in their fields, including local health professionals, interactive discussions and case studies will fill the program. Soon to be released, the program will include the following and more:
We welcome all primary care health professionals particularly those practicing in the Peel Region. Learn more here and register