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Practice Assist has updated The Tool Kit with a section on all things RACGP related. This includes:
Presented by Osborne Park Hospital in partnership with WA Primary Health Alliance and HealthPathways WA.
Date: Saturday, 10 November 2018 Time: 8.30am – 3.30pm (8.00am – Registrations) Venue: University Club, UWA, Crawley WA 6009 (free parking is available at Entrance 1, Carpark 3) Cost: Free Catering: Morning tea and lunch will be provided Register: To register, please visit here.
Registrations are essential. RSVP by Friday, 2 November 2018. This event has 4 Category Two QI&CPD points.
NPS MedicineWise are now taking bookings for their next topic, Lower Back Pain.
This educational visiting program has been designed to help general practitioners confidently distinguish between non-specific low back pain and more serious forms that require further investigation and management. We explore the importance of staying active and provide resources to help you manage patient expectations about imaging.
If you would like to book this topic, contact Nicole Humphry with your details via email Nicole.Humphry@wapha.rog.au or phone (08) 6272 4921.
The Australian Immunisation Register has released some free online education modules to assist immunisation providers to better understand the AIR database and its features.
Topics covered:
The best way to get clear on your obligations as a GP around My Health Record is by attending a training session. A My Health Record trainer can provide an education session at your practice, at a time that suits you best. Please email myhealthrecord@wapha.org.au to arrange a time with one of our trainers or book a workshop via the RACGP. For more information on this exciting project, please go to www.myhealthrecord.gov.au
Training via RACGP
Workshop “My Health Record in general practice” hosted by RACGP
For any other queries, please contact RACGP at (08) 9489 9555 or email sharon.safstrom@racgp.org.au
Resources available via RACGP
All GP practices around the country have been provided with an information toolkit including consumer awareness raising materials. If you did not receive your pack, please contact the team at WAPHA via myhealthrecord@wapha.org.au. The packs included instructions on how to reorder.
RACGP have great resources available for GPs about My Health Record such as:
Contact for more information
For more information on this exciting project, please go to www.myhealthrecord.gov.au or contact our team at myhealthrecord@wapha.org.au
Important information for GPs
Armadale Health Service’s (AHS) Emergency Department (ED) will be undertaking minor works to upgrade its telecommunications systems on 1 and 2 August 2018. Please note there will be disruption to our normal flow of services resulting in a potential increasing in waiting times for patients presenting to the ED with less urgent conditions.
How you can help
General Practitioners (GPs) are advised to consider the clinical needs of their patients and other alternative community services before referring them to the Armadale ED. If you need to refer a patient to the ED, please contact the ED Duty Officer on 9391 2176 beforehand to discuss the patient’s referral.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
The National Cancer Screening Register Rules 2017 require the following information to be collected about all individuals who undergo Cervical Screening Tests, where this information is reported and can be accurately recorded if available on the pathology request form:
This information enables the National Cervical Screening Program (NSCP) to:
For all individuals, healthcare providers are encouraged to provide Indigenous status, country of origin, and preferred language where this can be included on pathology request forms.
The Emergency Response Planning Tool (ERPT) is a cloud-based tool which assists general practices to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from, the impacts of emergencies and pandemics. The RACGP Standards for general practices (5th edition) require practices to have a contingency plan for adverse and unexpected events such as natural disasters, pandemic diseases or the sudden, unexpected absence of clinical staff (Criterion C3.3). The ERPT is one way that general practices can meet this Criterion.
The ERPT guides practices through a series of planning templates where critical information about the practice is entered and saved. The critical information entered in the ERPT is used to create an emergency response plan which is individually tailored to the practice, providing a roadmap to recovering from emergencies.
The ERPT is managed by Healthpoint ANZ and was developed in collaboration with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
How much does it cost?
The WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) is funding a limited number of licenses for the first-year subscription of the ERPT. Licenses will be available on a first come, first served basis.
This offer will save general practices in WA $300 plus GST.
How do I access the tool?
Register your practice by accessing the following link and complete the registration details.
For more information, see our fact sheet on the ERPT, contact your Primary Health Liaison or Practice Assist on 1800 2 ASSIST (1800 2 277 478) or email support@practiceassist.com.au.
The toolkit was developed by a team of multidisciplinary clinicians from around Australia and Internationally. This toolkit was designed to target a broad audience that includes the settings of primary and tertiary care, as well as the many disciplines involved in severe asthma management, including: physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, speech pathologists, pharmacists and psychologists. It is also hoped that the toolkit will allow clinicians in geographically diverse regions access to evidence based education and training.
The Toolkit’s modules put information at the fingertips of clinicians, while also serving as a long-term education resource. Modules include:
General practitioners are in the ideal position to talk to people about their alcohol use because:
What can GPs do to make it easy?
Support and referral
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a diagnosable condition (see DSM-V) where a person’s motor coordination is below what is expected for their age and is not due to any other neurological disorder. Many struggle with everyday activities such as dressing, using utensils, writing and many sport-based activities. In addition to many physical consequences such as lower fitness, muscle strength, and early fatigue, they are at higher risk of many social and emotional issues. These include lower self-esteem and confidence, higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression and social isolation. It is a surprisingly common condition with an estimated prevalence rate between 5-15% of school aged children, however it is often not recognised by parents, teachers and health professionals. Do you want to know more?
Lung Foundation Australia is developing the first National Strategic Action Plan for Lung Conditions through funding from the Australian Government Department of Health.
This action plan will be developed in consultation with an Advisory Group and is due for submission in early December. It will influence future decision making and resource allocation for the next 2-5 years to improve the lives of all Australians through better lung health.
Lung Foundation Australia are inviting a wide range of individuals and organisations to be involved in the consultation process, including people with lung conditions or caring for someone with lung conditions, health professionals, research institutions, peak bodies, government and other relevant stakeholders and organisations
The survey will close on Sunday, 12 August and a summary of the results will be published on Lung Foundation Australia’s website. This summary, combined with a report on the current state of lung health in Australia, will guide their Advisory Group in the development of a draft framework for the plan. This framework will be released for public comment and the feedback incorporated before a final draft is submitted to the Federal Government.
Did you know that a Perth professor has conducted a trial which demonstrates the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in high-risk individuals could be delayed using narrowband UVB treatment, previously used to treat psoriasis?
Trials conducted by Professor Prue hart found that in 3 out of 10 people with a single episode of MS who were treated with UVB, the progression of their MS was halted.
Find out more about this world first research happening right here in Western Australia: https://mswa.org.au/mswa-research-forum
Visit our Webinars & Workshops page at www.practiceassist.com.au for more events in your area.
These events are often in high demand, so we recommend registering as soon as possible so you don’t miss out!
Nurses working in primary care are at the frontline of the health care system and the frontline providers of stepped mental health services.
Do you need to know more about working with patients who have mental health issues in your clinical setting?
These free Level 1 CPD eLearning modules have been designed with input from nurses working in primary care and other experts, are evidence-based and include real-life scenarios that primary care nurses experience in day-to-day practice.
You can also register for any of the Level 2 workshops. Spaces are limited for these workshops, so book now (please note, the eLearning Level 1 modules will be assumed learning prior to attending on the day).
Visit www.acmhn.org/primary-care to start increasing your knowledge, skill and confidence in mental health.
Training Centre in Subacute Care WA invites you to join their first monthly session, An Introduction to Cardiac Rehabilitation & Secondary Prevention: What is it? Whose job is it? and What resources are out there? Presented by Clinical Engagement Coordinators from the Heart Foundation, Shelly McRae and Julie Smith. For further information contact tracswa@health.wa.gov.au or by phone 9431 2351
Date: Thursday, 9 August 2018 Time: 2.00pm – 3.00pm Venue: Live via webcast Cost: Free Register: To register, please visit here.
This session has been arranged following a recent round table discussion on treatment refusal organised by WA Clinical Oncology Group. This round table discussion was developed in direct response to concerns from local WA oncology specialists; who are witnessing a growing number of patients who present with cancers and then seek alternative modalities or other therapies. At times, these patients return at a later date with metastatic cancers or those that require more invasive or extensive treatment – with poorer prognosis. The session will consist of a short presentation, case studies and panel discussion. This activity has 4 Category Two QI&CPD points attached.
Date: Thursday, 16 August 2018 Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm Venue: The Bendat Parent & Community Centre, 36 Dodd Street, Wembley 6014 Cost: $245 for non-members; $195 for members Register: To register, please visit here.
Exploring the relationship between substance use and mental health issues. This one-day workshop examines the complex relationship between substance use or addiction and mental health problems. The course includes take-home references and tools for use afterwards. Content covered include Identifying the relationship between mental health and substance use, Signs and symptoms, Integrated treatment options and many more.
Date: Thursday, 16 August 2018 Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm Venue: Workzone Building, Level 1, 1 Nash Street, Perth 6000 Cost: $245 for non-members; $195 for members Register: To register, please visit here.
Join us for this impactful, case study based one day Active Learning Module (ALM) designed to bring GPs, GP registrars and practice nurses together as we put the spotlight on the role of the whole primary care team in the early recognition and optimal management of chronic heart failure. Take advantage of valuable case studies and learn from esteemed local speakers as we equip you with the take-home skills you need to ensure more efficient and effective care of your heart failure patients.
Date: Saturday, 18 August 2018 Time: 8.00am – 4.30pm Venue: Best Western Plus Bunbury Hotel Lord Forrest, 20 Symmons St, Bunbury 6230 Cost: Free Register: To register, please visit here.
A networking opportunity for GP practices and local health services in the Armadale community. The WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) and City of Armadale invite you to our next networking event to meet your local health services, including Mental health and psychological services, Aboriginal health services, Drug and alcohol services and many more.
Date: Tuesday, 28 August 2018 Time: 6.00pm – 7.30pm Venue: Avocados Perth, 2 Mount Street Kelmscott WA 6111 Cost: Free Register: To register, please visit here.
Presented by Roz Lindsay from Engaging Potential. Leading teams successfully starts with our ability to provide clear direction for the future. Teams need shared purpose, understanding of what they are striving to achieve together, and clarity on how they will deliver the desired outcomes. This session will discuss what is important for team performance, develop practice vision for success and identify ways to communicate this to the practice team and patients.
Date: Wednesday, 29 August 2018 Time: 4.00pm – 8.00pm Venue: WA Primary Health Alliance, Level 2, 2-5, 7 Tanunda Drive, Rivervale 6103 Cost: Free Register: To register, please visit here.
This training will provide GPs, nurses and health professionals working in primary care an update on strategies available for the prevention of HIV transmission, focusing on prevention particularly pre-exposure prophylaxis (PREP). At the end of this update, participants will be able to Identify priority populations for testing, Describe HIV epidemiology, Describe what Anti-Retroviral Therapy is and how to access it, Communicate to patients what PrEP/PEP is and how to access it and Implement a range of HIV Prevention strategies. This activity has 6 Category Two QI&CPD points attached.
Date: Wednesday, 29 August 2018 Time: 6.00pm – 9.30pm (5.45pm – Registrations) Venue: Fraser Suites Perth, 10 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth WA Cost: Free Register: To register, please visit here.
Is your practice looking for a health promotion activity for your practice? Each edition we provide a list of upcoming health promotion activities for the coming months along with resources and contact details.
You can also view all health promotion activities for the year by visiting Practice Assist’s health calendar: https://bit.ly/2HWZX3B
Embark on an epic adventure! The MS Readathon inspires kids to read as much as they can, all for an incredible cause. The rules are simple. Read whatever you like, as much as you can, in August. This year’s MS Readathon will be a magical quest and the adventure kicks off on the 1st of August and wraps up on the 31st of August. Best of all, by joining our quest, not only will you awaken a love of reading, you will be helping kids who have a parent with multiple sclerosis.
To find out more and to print out resources perfect for your practice’ children area in the waiting room, please visit here: https://www.msreadathon.org.au/resources