Practice Connect #167

6 April 2023

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


Acknowledgement of Country 

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.

 

 

 

Primary Sense Update 

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Has your practice installed Primary Sense?

Over 65% of eligible WA general practices have already installed the Primary Sense population health management, data extraction and clinical support tool. 

If your practice has submitted your EOI but not yet installed Primary Sense onto your practice IT systems and desktops, the following steps are needed to complete your transition:

  1. Submit your EOI
  2. Complete and return your Practice Profile survey questions
  3. Have your Authorised Representative sign your Data Sharing Agreement when it is emailed to you via DocuSign
  4. Have your IT provider complete and return your IT Checklist
  5. Our team can then email your IT provider directly with a secret code and installation instructions
  6. Primary Sense is installed on your IT system, desktop applications for all of your users can be added to their PCs.  Refer to the Desktop Navigation Guide for more information.
To ensure a seamless continuity of your PIP QI payments we aim for all eligible practices to have installed Primary Sense by 30 April 2023.

 You can learn more about Primary Sense below: 

For support and questions on your transition to installing Primary Sense, email practiceassist@wapha.org.au or call 1800 2 ASSIST (1800 2 277 478).
 



 

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Primary Sense - Notifying patients

If you are one of the 250+ practices with Primary Sense installed or your practice is working towards installing Primary Sense, you may be now thinking about how I notify my patients of this change.

There is a suite of resources available to you that can be used to notify your patients that your practice is working with your Primary Health Network (PHN) to further improve the quality and safety of care, through the use of Primary Sense.


 

Feature - Health Assessments

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Chronic Disease Management

What is Chronic Disease? Chronic diseases are long lasting conditions with persistent effects. Their social and economic consequences can impact on peoples’ quality of life. Chronic conditions are becoming increasingly common and are a priority for action in the health sector. Many people with chronic conditions do not have a single, predominant condition, but rather they experience multimorbidity – the presence of 2 or more chronic conditions in a person at the same time.

Chronic Disease Management, when undertaken with a team care approach can enable positive health outcomes for your patients. Resources to support this approach are available through multiple sources


 

Health Assessments in General Practice, a QI opportunity

Health Assessments are one of the most effective ways for primary care providers to identify patients at risk of Chronic Disease in general practice. General practices are at the forefront of healthcare in Australia and well placed to deliver essential and preventative care to their patients. Evaluating a patient’s health and wellbeing play an important part in population health, allowing practices to screen patients that may otherwise be at risk of Chronic Disease and providing an opportunity for early intervention.

Practice nurses are often involved in Health Assessments with the level of involvement decided between the GP and nurse as part of the practice's team based care approach.

Available assessments include:

WAPHA's data extraction tool of choice Primary Sense assists practices to identify patients eligible or due to have one of the above Health Assessments.
Health Assessments are an excellent opportunity to undertake and embed Quality Improvement activities within your practice.
 

Health Assessments and Advance Care Planning (ACP)

General Practice is where patients have ongoing and trusted relationships with their GP and where ACP is best initiated and promoted.

GPs are well placed to raise the topic of ACP with all older patients. For example, when they attend for their over 75-year health check, when dementia is suspected, those with life-threatening, complex, and chronic illnesses and those patients with terminal illness. A conversation about ACP fits well with a GP’s responsibility to ensure that the patient receives, and understands, advice on various healthcare options relevant to any current diagnosis and realistic assessment of prognosis. ACP is a process that all patients, and especially those who are at risk of deterioration in health, can benefit from.

More information can be found on ACP and general practice here

ACP Resources


If you would like to discuss any of these activities further, please contact Practice Assist and one of our friendly team will connect you with your QI coach. If you haven’t seen it previously, we encourage you to visit our Quality Improvement Toolkit , developed by our QI team to assist you with your journey.
 


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The value of health assessments for Aboriginal people in primary care

Emerging evidence of the value of health assessments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the primary care setting (2019) provides learnings that can be applied across both Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and private general practice.
 
The greatest contributor to the disparity in health outcomes between Aboriginal people and the general Australian population is potentially preventable chronic disease. The role of practices in preventive health care is vital to addressing health disparities faced by Aboriginal people.
 
The Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander Health Assessment (MBS715) can be seen as a vehicle to support the delivery of evidence-based preventive health care.
 
Within Australia, the limitations of health assessments have been highlighted, with calls for a greater focus both on the social and cultural determinants of health and on considering what is important to the patient.

 
 

Key findings:

1. Indigenous-specific health assessments are associated with the improved uptake of some preventive health practices, particularly:
  • sexual health screening and counselling
  • delivery of cardiovascular risk assessment
  • delivery of screening of children for social and emotional wellbeing, anaemia and child neurodevelopment
2. The level of delivery of Aboriginal health assessments improves with continuous quality improvement
  • completing at least three CQI cycles improved median delivery from less than 5% to more than 20%.
  • CQI supports the ability of practices to identify and address barriers to the delivery of care.
​3. Aboriginal leadership and strengthening of organisational capacity are essential, such as recruitment of Aboriginal staff and engagement with local Aboriginal community
4. Follow-up is key
  • Improving uptake of Aboriginal health assessments is associated with improved uptake of preventative health practices
  • Improving follow-up for Aboriginal patients requires multifaceted strategies at all levels of a practice.

To help your practice on your CQI journey to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people, contact Practice Assist to connect with your QI Coach. 
 

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Osteoporosis



Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decreases, or when the structure and strength of bone changes. Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone doesn't keep up with the loss of old bone.

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses such as bending over or coughing can cause a fracture. Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, wrist or spine.
 
Osteoporosis affects men and women of all races. But white and Asian women, especially older women who are past menopause, are at highest risk.
 
Osteoporosis is diagnosed based on the patients’ medical history, a physical examination by a doctor, and a bone mineral density test. The bone density test uses a special x-ray to look for signs that bones are becoming weaker and assigns a “T-score” based on the results.
 
Medications, healthy diet and weight-bearing exercise can help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones. All of these factors can be discussed with the patient during their routine Health Assessment and if they have a diagnosis of Osteoporosis, the option of a GPMP and TCA could be utilised to assist with the dietary needs (dietitian) and the weightbearing exercise (Exercise Physiology or Physiotherapist). 

  • Patient information on Osteoporosis can be found here
  • Dexa Scans can be referred to most Radiology services
  • Osteoporosis Solutions offers clinic and a mobile service

If you need assistance to identify patients who are eligible for a Bone density scan the contact Practice Assist and we can assist you.


 

COVID-19 Updates 

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COVID-19 Vaccine Operations Centre Easter and ANZAC Day arrangements

The Vaccine Operations Centre (VOC) will be closed for the Easter period from 3:00pm Thursday 6 April 2023 and will re-open 9:00am Tuesday 11 April 2023.  No vaccine deliveries will be made on Friday 7 April 2023 or Monday 10 April 2023.
 
VOC will also close on Tuesday 25 April 2023 for ANZAC Day and will re-open 9:00am Wednesday 26 April 2023. No deliveries will be made on Tuesday 25 April 2023.
 
Delivery Acceptances and Stock on Hand reporting will still be due by COB Friday 7 April 2023. It is suggested that sites complete their reporting requirements prior to 3:00pm Thursday 6 April 2023. Sites will not be able to place further orders for vaccine until reporting requirements are met.
 
If you need to report a Cold Chain Breach (CCB) incident while the VOC is closed, please complete the Cold Chain Breach Reporting Form and email it to COVID19VaccineOperationsCentre@health.gov.au . The CCB will be assessed once the VOC reopens on Tuesday 11 April 2023.
 
If you need to report a Vaccine Administration Error (VAE) or make a Clinical Enquiry, you should email the VOC at COVID19VaccineOperationsCentre@health.gov.au. The case will be assessed, and clinical advice will be provided when VOC reopens on Tuesday 11 April 2023.
 
If additional vaccines are required, you may consider contacting a nearby COVID-19 vaccine provider and arrange for the transfer of excess doses.
 

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Healthdirect Australia’s Service Finder to help with COVID-19 vaccine bookings and finding health services

The updated Service Finder though healthdirect will replace Vaccine Clinic Finder as the best place for patients to find and book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

A re-direct will soon be in place for any Vaccine Clinic Finder links. All states and territories are asked to update any references to Vaccine Clinic Finder to healthdirect Service Finder.

Find out more

 

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CoRiCal: Covid 19 Risk Calculator

CoRiCal is a tool developed by the Immunisation Coalition to help people make decisions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. It shows how the vaccine can lower the risk of catching, getting sick from or dying from COVID-19.
 
It also shows the risk of getting rare side effects from the vaccines.
 
This is calculated based on a patients age, sex, and vaccinations. You can choose to see the results ‘as a chance' or 'per million people' by clicking on the tabs.
 
The results shown are only a guide. This tool does not consider other things that can affect risk of infection or illness from COVID-19, including the patients general health, where they work or go to school, or their COVID-19 safe behaviours.
 
Find the tool here


 

Immunisation & Cancer Screening Updates 

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Travel-related illnesses

Key Messages

  • Increased numbers of overseas-acquired typhoid, paratyphoid and hepatitis A infection are being reported in Western Australia, particularly among those staying with family.
  • Many regions of the world are currently experiencing measles outbreaks and overseas-acquired measles infections have been reported interstate.
  • WA General Practitioners should:
i.     be alert for signs and symptoms of communicable disease among returned travellers
ii.    isolate suspected cases of measles immediately
iii.   promote routine and travel vaccinations, as appropriate.


Measles

Typical symptoms of measles include fever, coryza, conjunctivitis and cough, followed by a maculopapular rash. About 10% of measles infections involve complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. Returned travellers with a measles-compatible illness should be identified at reception, fitted with a mask, and isolated immediately. If you suspect measles, contact your local Public Health Unit.    
 

Enteric diseases

Typical symptoms of overseas-acquired enteric diseases such as typhoid, paratyphoid and hepatitis A, include fever, lethargy, jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, constipation or diarrhoea. Consider faecal pathogen testing for symptomatic returned travellers and advise to abstain from high-risk activities (e.g. food handling) while the diagnostic work-up is underway.
 

Vaccination

Travellers should be up-to-date with all routine vaccinations. Receipt of two doses of measles-containing vaccine should be confirmed in all persons born since 1965 prior to international travel.

Children typically receive measles-containing vaccine at 12 and 18 months, but infants travelling to countries where measles is endemic, or where measles outbreaks are occurring, may receive a measles vaccine from as young as 6 months of age, after an individual risk assessment.

Vaccination for typhoid fever and hepatitis A should be considered for people travelling to endemic areas, particularly those staying with family. See the Australian Immunisation Handbook for further information about vaccination for international travellers.
 

Reducing risk exposures

Persons planning travel overseas should be reminded about food safety precautions, mosquito-bite prevention, and safe sex practices to reduce their risk of exposure to communicable infections. Visit Healthy WA – Travel Health for further details.

 

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Free Influenza Vaccine Program

The WA Department of Health has confirmed the return of the free influenza vaccine program in May, with more information to come.

Subscribe to the WA Health Vaccine Updates e-newsletter here or visit the Immunisation provider information and resources webpage for the latest information and advice.



 

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Supporting conversations about influenza vaccination with Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people

NCIRS have developed a suite of new resources to assist immunisation providers have culturally appropriate and supportive vaccination conversations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
 
The resources include:

These resources, as well as other helpful links, can be accessed via the following webpage: Supporting conversations about vaccinations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait people.
 
If you wish to share information directly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, please use the following link: Influenza vaccination information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

 

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Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care resources

The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has released new and updated information and posters for immunisation providers to utilise this coming influenza season. These include:



 

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RACGP Influenza season resources

The RACGP have released their 2023 resources page for the upcoming flu season, which contains the latest guidance and general information for general practices.
 
Access the information here

 

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Cervical Screening: Self Collection

Self-collection is a safe and effective alternative to in-clinic testing.

It can reach individuals who have never been screened or are under-screened by providing a more convenient and less invasive option.

A pilot study found that 86% of those who had previously declined a speculum examination or had never been screened agreed to self-collection when given the choice.
 
More information

 

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National Cervical Screening Survey – we want to hear from you

Family Planning NSW is conducting a survey to explore clinician knowledge, attitudes and practices when offering cervical screening, with particular attention to the broadened eligibility for self-collected screening.

The aim of this survey is to better understand clinician attitudes and practices following the recent update to the National Cervical Screening Program regarding eligibility for self-collection, and to inform future educational and supporting resources for clinicians.

The survey should takes on average 7 minutes to complete and no personal information is collected.

This research has received ethics approval from Family Planning NSW Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number: R2022-03) 

The study can be found here

 

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BreastScreen WA

BreastScreen WA is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible service to all eligible Western Australians.

Who can have a screening mammogram?

A person is eligible for a screening mammogram with BreastScreen WA if they:

  • Are 40 years or older
  • Have breast or chest tissue
  • Were assigned female at birth
  • Are eligible for a Medicare Card
  • Have no new breast or chest symptoms

Having regular screening mammograms is one of the best ways to find breast cancer early and improve chances of survival.
 

What are the risk factors for developing breast cancer?

  • Sex: being assigned/presumed female at birth increases the risk of breast cancer
  • Age: the risk of breast cancer increases with age
  • Some lifestyle factors can increase the risk of breast cancer. Click here for more information

Can trans men have screening mammograms?

If the person has not had chest surgery (bilateral mastectomy), and is over 40, screening mammograms are recommended every two years. If the person has had chest surgery (bilateral mastectomy), visiting a GP/family doctor to discuss screening needs and determining if they need an examination of any remaining chest tissue is advised first. 

Can trans women have screening mammograms?

The risk of developing breast cancer is very low for transgender women, even if the person has been taking gender affirming hormones for a number of years. Having breast implants does not increase the risk of breast cancer. BreastScreen WA does not recommend screening mammograms for transgender women.

If the person is taking gender affirming hormones, talking to their GP or specialist about breast health is important. If any unusual changes to the breast tissue is noted, a visit to the GP/family doctor without delay is advised.

Can non-binary people have screening mammograms?

Yes. If they are assigned female at birth and have not had chest surgery (bilateral mastectomy). Please let BreastScreen staff know what the person’s preferred terms for describing chest tissue is whilst visiting to ensure the visit is a comfortable experience.

 

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Adult Immunisation Forum

The Adult Immunisation Forum (AIF) will take place in Perth on June 22, immediately following the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) Communicable Diseases and Immunisation Conference. It is a 1 day event, presented as a hybrid meeting. 

Date: Thursday 22 June 2023
Time: 8am – 4:30pm (AWST)
Venue: Pan Pacific Perth 207 Adelaide Tce, Perth WA

The meeting is ideal for GPs, practice nurses, and other immunisation specialists.

The vaccines to be covered will include pneumococcal disease (PCV 15,20,21), RSV in adults, pertussis in older people, herpes zoster, influenza, Covid-19, Strep A, travel vaccines, as well as paediatric vaccines.

Chaired by Prof Robert Booy, confirmed speakers include Professors Tony Cunningham, Peter Richmond, Chris Blyth, and Paul Van Buynder. Information is being updated regularly on the Immunisation Coalition website here

It is free to attend, with refreshments and lunch provided.

For more information, visit the website, or contact info@immunisationcoalition.org.au


 

Practice Updates 

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Practice Assist Easter and ANZAC Day arrangements

From the team at Practice Assist, may we take this time to wish you a Happy Easter, and safe and relaxing holiday period. Please be advised of our operating hours over the Easter and ANZAC Day public holiday periods for 2023:
  • Friday 7 April - Good Friday (Closed)
  • Monday 18 April - Easter Monday (Closed)
  • Tuesday 26 April - ANZAC DAY (Closed)
 

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Access real time prescription monitoring with ScriptCheck WA



To promote quality use of medicines and reduce the risks associated with opioids and other medicines that can result in dependency and be harmful in overdose, a real-time prescription monitoring system is now available from the WA Department of Health.
 
ScriptCheckWA alerts doctors, pharmacists and other prescribers of monitored medicines, such as nurse practitioners, to potential risks that can help them make safer decisions before prescribing or dispensing a monitored medicines to their patients. 
 
Practices should have received an email inviting you to register for access via the Self Registration Portal.
 
More information and support with implementing ScriptCheckWA in your practice is available through Practice Assist on 1800 2 ASSIST (1800 2 277478) or practiceassist@wapha.org.au
 
You can also find out more at the WA Department of Health Website

 

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Priority access to Provider Connect Australia

If you are a practice who is not currently listed on the Vaccine Clinic Finder (VCF) site, you could benefit from a new free service being rolled out nationally by the Australian Digital Health Agency – Provider Connect Australia™, a single place to update your business information that reduces duplication and streamlines notifications. As a vaccine provider, we can offer you priority access to the service, to ensure you are equipped to manage your vaccine and other services ahead of the winter season.

Provider Connect Australia™ completely streamlines how you maintain the accuracy of your healthcare organisation information and practitioner details with your business partners. It is a secure, reliable, and efficient way to help healthcare providers stay connected on a national scale.

Currently, updating your business information is a manual, time-consuming process, and needs to be done any time there are any changes in your organisation. This is not only cumbersome but can lead to human error. By using Provider Connect Australia™, your business information will automatically be sent to your registered business partners. Over time, this will include hospitals, pathology and radiology services, public service directories, secure messaging providers and more.

Registration and set-up process

The Provider Connect Australia introduction video explains more about the service and the registration process. We recommend you bookmark the page for future reference.

The following links provide step-by-step support materials to help you:

  1. Check the pre-registration requirements
  2. Register your organisation
  3. Set up your organisation and services

For further information available here
 




 

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Family and Carer Participation under the Better Access Initiative

New Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items are now available to facilitate family and carer participation in a patient’s mental health treatment under the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the MBS (Better Access) initiative.
 
On 1 March 2023, 48 new time-tiered MBS items were made available to allow providers to deliver up to two Medicare-subsidised services per calendar year, to a person other than the patient, under Better Access where:

  • The patient has been referred for Better Access services (for allied health practitioner delivering these services),
  • The treating or referring practitioner determines it is clinically appropriate,
  • The patient consents for the service to be provided to the person as part of their treatment,
  • The service is part of the patient’s treatment, and
  • The patient is not in attendance.

Further information, on these new MBS items is available in explanatory note AN.20.1, AN.7.31, MN.6.8 and MN.7.5 on MBS Online, as well as in the Family and Carer Participation under the Better Access Initiative factsheet.



 

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Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) Summary of inclusion into the MBS for GPs

On 1 March 2023, changes were made to the MBS to include fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) on the list of eligible disabilities that can access item numbers for complex neurodevelopmental disorders and disabilities. The age of eligibility for MBS Item 139 was also expanded from under 13 to under 25 and the number of assessment services increased from four to eight.

View the training available in our Education and Events section of this newsletter and the new Practice Assist fact sheet here
 




 

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New smoking cessation resources available for Primary Health Care nurses

Quit Centre’s ‘Smoking Cessation Brief Advice Training for Primary Health Care Nurses’, developed in consultation with primary health care nurses, supports the development of knowledge and skills to confidently provide smoking cessation care. This training has been endorsed by the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) for CPD education.

Additional resources available through the website include clinical tools and guidelines including a practical guide for primary health care nurses, education and events with recorded webinars and podcasts, quick and easy referral to Quitline, latest news and research and access to our Quit Centre Quarterly newsletter.

Learn more here




 

Have your say on a new training program for primary healthcare professionals

Karitane in partnership with the Healthy Beginnings team at Sydney Local Health District are developing an early childhood nutrition professional development program for primary healthcare professionals. They are seeking input from primary healthcare professionals around Australia working with young children.

To find out more and complete the survey here

 

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Royal Perth Hospital to cease mailed discharge summaries if sent by secure messaging or fax

From Monday 1st May, RPH will transition to no longer posting a hard copy when of discharge summaries to recipients who have already been sent a copy by secure messaging or fax. Practices may still receive a hard copy in addition to the securely messaged or faxed copy as RPH changes over. Patients will continue to be given a hard copy if the summary has been finalised before they are discharged.
 
GP requests have prompted this change. This aligns with other hospitals and with RPH outpatient letters which are also not posted if they’ve been securely messaged or faxed.   

To change your practice’s preferred receival method:
  • If your practice still receives faxed summaries, please consider changing to secure messaging which the RACGP Position Statement recommends as more reliable and secure than fax.
  • If your practice still receives summaries by mail only, you can change to secure electronic (preferred) or faxed discharge summaries and outpatient letters, please email RPH.GPN.Coordinator@health.wa.gov.au, telephone 9224 3673 or fax 9224 2348. For more information, see Royal Perth Hospital - Communication.
If you haven’t received a summary:
  • Please check your patient’s My Health Record if you haven’t received your patient’s discharge summary or outpatient letter or to see hospital pathology or imaging results.

General Practices can otherwise email requests to RPH Health Information Management Services on rph.infocentre@health.wa.gov.au. For more information on request requirements, please see the “Patient information” tab on Contacts for GPs.

 

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New Ophthalmology Referral Access Criteria mandatory from 24 April 2023

Referral Access Criteria are now available for public adult ophthalmology outpatient services in WA on: https://health.wa.gov.au/adultOphthalmology
Referrers are encouraged to commence using the Referral Access Criteria immediately.

From Monday 24 April 2023, referrals not meeting the Referral Access Criteria (RAC), or are missing mandatory information, will be returned to the referrer with advice and what information is required for successful submission. Patients will not be provided with an appointment or placed on a waitlist until a completed referral consistent with the RAC is received. 
 
Patients who require immediate review (within 7 days) are not to be referred via CRS and should be discussed directly with the appropriate hospital. 
All other adult ophthalmology outpatient service referrals from GPs to metropolitan public hospitals should continue to be submitted via CRS. Referrals from Optometrists and referrals to WA Country Health Service should continue to be sent directly to the specific hospital site.   
 
The CRS will ensure all mandatory information has been provided, as per the RAC, prior to the referral being allocated to the appropriate hospital. Clinical triage is then the responsibility of the receiving hospital.
 
Specialties with RAC implemented include: 

  • Urology 
  • Neurology 
  • ENT (Adult & Paediatric) 
  • Direct Access Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 
  • Ophthalmology (Mandatory from 24 April 2023) 

For queries please email DOHSpecialistRAC@health.wa.gov.au  
 
Bookmark the WA Department of Health RAC webpage available here 

 

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Education & Events 

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Cyber security in Primary Care - webinars



Join us for a must-attend webinar on cyber security. Learn how to secure your digital systems and protect your practice's sensitive data from potential cyber threats.

Discover the points of exposure in your digital systems and how to mitigate them. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve in today's ever-evolving digital landscape.
 

Cyber security in primary care (for practice managers)

Presented by WA Primary Health Alliance
12 April (2.00- 3.00pm AWST)
View the flyer here
Register here


Cyber security in primary care (for GPs)

Presented by WA Primary Health Alliance
19 April (6.00- 7.00pm AWST)
View the flyer here
Register here

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What's new with the flu? Influenza and COVID update

Presented by Prof Paul Effler – Senior Medical Advisor, Communicable Disease Control Directorate, Department of Health, Western Australia.
Dr Ramya Raman (Host) – RACGP WA Chair
20 April (7.00-8.00pm AWST)

Join infectious disease expert Prof. Paul Effler for our annual influenza update as we prepare for this year’s flu season.
 
This webinar will cover:

  • What’s new with the flu?
  • COVID vaccine effectiveness in WA and booster update
  • Long COVID in WA

There will be dedicated time to have your questions answered.

CPD 1 hour EA
Register now

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Eating Disorders: Beyond the Surface

Presented by WA Primary Health Alliance
6 May (8.00am-1.00pm AWST) ECU Mount Lawley Campus

This interactive educational workshop is designed for GPs and other community clinicians working with people with eating disorders.

It will provide a practical approach to assessing and managing patients with eating disorders including interventions that can be undertaken in the GP's office.
 
View the flyer here
Register now

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Healthy weight masterclass series  

Following the recent launch of WA Primary Health Alliance’s SHAPE (Supporting Holistic and Person centred weight Education) website and Conversations About Weight online training, WA Primary Health Alliance, in partnership with local WA healthcare professionals and lived experience voices, is pleased to present a six-part masterclass series on supporting patients with weight concerns to improve their health and wellbeing. 

These sessions are open to all healthcare professionals, including GPs, practice nurses, allied health practitioners, and hospital based medical practitioners. 

Session 1: The science of obesity and weight stigma 
Wednesday 17 May 2023 (6.00-7.30pm AWST) Via Zoom 

The first session will provide attendees with an understanding of: 

Weight bias and weight stigma, including: 

  • The impact of weight stigma in the healthcare setting 
  • Patient experiences of weight stigma, including lived experience perspectives 
  • How to practice using an approach free from weight stigma 

The interplay of the multiple, complex factors contributing to weight and overall health. 

Register now  
 

Session 2: The role of general practice in supporting people with weight concerns
Wednesday 14 June 2023 (6.00-7.30pm AWST) Via Zoom

The second session will provide attendees with an understanding of:

  • The role of general practice in supporting patients with weight concerns.
  • How GPs, practice nurses (and other healthcare professionals) can overcome the risk of providing unsolicited advice when initiating conversations about weight.
  • How to incorporate a behaviour change and motivational approach to chronic disease care planning.

Register now

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Family and Domestic Violence Training Opportunity 

The Safer Families Centre has developed The Readiness Program suite of training to support primary care providers to effectively recognise, respond to and refer victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. The flexible training delivery includes online workshops, virtual practice-centred learning, e-learning modules and RACGP webinars. The training is trauma and violence informed and is fully funded to anyone working in a primary care setting, including nursing and clinical and non-clinical staff within General Practice, Community Health and Aboriginal Medical Services.  

This is an approved CPD activity under the RACGP CPD Program.
 
Further information and training registration can be found here

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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) training

Presented by The Mental Health Commission
Multiple metropolitan and regional dates

The Mental Health Commission offer a suite of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) training for health professionals and service providers.

Registration can be made via The Mental Health Commission website here




Other Webinars, Events & Workshops

Navigating ScriptCheckWA
Presented by RACGP
13 April

Seasonal Respiratory & Other Challenges: Influenza & RSV
Presented by Benchmarque Group
17 April

ADHA Webinar Training
Presented by Australian Digital Health Agency
Multiple dates & topics ranging from My Health Record to Quality Improvement for health conditions

Breast Screen WA visit to Armadale
Presented by Breast Screen WA
27 April to 26 June

Alcohol & Other Drug Network: A Project ECHO Initiative Session 12Cannabis
Presented by WA Primary Health Alliance
28 April 

Talking About Suicide in General Practice (Online Interactive Webinar)
Presented by Black Dog Institute
5 May & 8 June

Curing Hepatitis C in Primary Care 
Presented by ASHM
13 May

Otosccopy
The Benchmarque Group Pty Limited
26 June

Tympanometry
The Benchmarque Group Pty Limited
29 June

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.