Australian antibiotic prescriptions drop 38% during pandemic Researchers suggest the drop is due to a combination of social distancing measures, as well as significantly fewer GPs prescribing the drugs.
‘Significant concerns’: PSR the latest to question pharmacy prescribing pilot A lack of independent oversight and the bypassing of Commonwealth legislation have been highlighted as threats to patient safety.
WA Government expands community pharmacy vaccination The RACGP has questioned whether there is evidence to support the policy shift, warning the decision could have unintended consequences.
Connecting GPs with community: RACGP–parkrun partnership The new parkrun practice initiative aims to promote social prescribing by strengthening links between practices and their community.
Findings from PHN audit to remain confidential An audit into the North Queensland Primary Health Network will investigate potential conflicts of interest at the board level, but the findings are not expected to be released publicly.
Progress on stillbirth prevention and support in general practice The RACGP has welcomed development of a new stillbirth clinical standard, which is expected to provide ‘fit-for-purpose’ guidance for GPs.
‘Tip of the iceberg’: GPs highlight pharmacy UTI prescribing incidents One instance involves a patient allegedly being incorrectly diagnosed with a UTI when she had a 15-centimetre pelvic mass.
GP resignations leave PHN without general practice voice The moves come in the wake of controversy surrounding the proposed North Queensland pharmacy prescribing pilot.
Image-based prescribing has ‘served its purpose’ for general practice The service is due to end on 31 March, answering the RACGP’s calls. But hospital settings have secured an extension until March 2023.
New Specific Interests social prescribing group Social prescribing is gaining momentum, and the RACGP is hoping to better support GPs in integrating the model into their practice.