When is the treatment worse than the disease? New research shows GPs can help patients avoid opioids for chronic non-cancer pain. Dr Hester Wilson, Chair of the RACGP’s Specific Interests Addiction Medicine network, considers how.
Pharmacists’ codeine fears overstated, GP says While pharmacists have raised concerns about a shortage of low-dose codeine, Dr Evan Ackermann, a GP with a special interest in drugs of dependence, says the evidence supports up-scheduling.
Supporting GP practice ownership Dr Sean Stevens, Chair of the RACGP’s Business of General Practice Specific Interests network, talks to newsGP about the current state of practice ownership, and offers support to aspiring GP–owners.
GPs vital in ongoing response to Australia’s natural disasters: RACGP President General practices in Victoria’s south-west, NSW’s south coast and Australia’s top end must be prepared to provide essential healthcare services following major natural disasters in recent days, RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel has told newsGP.
When disaster strikes: Involving GPs in disaster management planning GPs often play a limited role in healthcare planning processes for natural disasters, but Dr Penny Burns hopes her research will contribute to efforts to increase their voice.
One of the many faces of codeine addiction Jessica Khachan lives in Sydney with her husband and two kids, who are 14 and 12, in what she describes as ‘a normal suburban household’. She is also one of the increasing number of Australians with a history of codeine addiction.
RACGP President wants states to consider patient safety in codeine up-scheduling RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel has called on Australian health ministers to consider patients before making any decisions that will soften codeine regulations.
RACGP 12-point opioid challenge With the issue of pain management becoming increasingly prevalent in Australian healthcare, GPs are often at the forefront of dealing with patients experiencing chronic non-cancer pain. However, the role of opioids in treating these patients has raised increasing concerns about safety. ‘For many people, good pain management can transform their quality of life,’ RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel said. ‘Unfortunately, what we have been seeing is an exploitation of painkilling medications.’
RACGP President says no need for further review of codeine restrictions RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel says the time for analysis of codeine up-scheduling is over and state governments’ statements on the issue are unhelpful when they lack evidence. ‘The evidence is clear: codeine is dangerous and the current situation is leading to very severe outcomes. One hundred codeine-related deaths per year is simply unacceptable, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg,’ Dr Seidel said.
RACGP calls for system-wide reform for pain management in Australia The RACGP has called for system-wide reform for pain management in Australia ahead of the release of the latest part of its Prescribing drugs of dependence in general practice. The college wants to ensure a better balance between quality management and minimising harms.