A ‘cautionary’ tale: Pitfalls of the UK physician assistant model Implementing physician assistants in the UK triggered ‘widespread grassroots backlash’, new research finds, serving as another warning for Australia.
Call for ‘soft launch’ of lung cancer screening program The RACGP’s call comes ahead of a new national program, with a ‘slow build-up of screening’ urged to mitigate extra GP workload.
Date set for free RSV vaccine rollout Available in general practices from 3 February, the RACGP will be working with the Federal Government to ensure a smooth vaccine rollout for pregnant women.
First ever National Autism Strategy launched The report says there are ‘high levels of unmet demand’ and significant diagnosis delays, with GPs often the first point of contact.
Expansion of physician assistants considered The Queensland Health boss says he is ‘exploring opportunities to grow our traditional workforce’ but this has sparked GPs’ concern over scope of practice changes.
How popular is the new GP expedited pathway? AHPRA says it is receiving up to 15 applications each week from GPs since the pathway’s launch in October, with 80% coming from the UK.
Impact of proposed older GP health checks revealed New data shows 3142 GPs could undergo an AHPRA assessment for GPs aged over 70, leaving the RACGP concerned this could worsen workforce shortages.
AHPRA changes IMG English language tests Doctors from 30 countries will no longer have to sit a test and, for those who do, the writing score will be reduced, but the RACGP is concerned.
Fines considered to stop ‘weaponised’ complaints AHPRA has accepted 17 Ombudsman recommendations which aim to protect GPs from vexatious complaints ‘made with the intent to cause them harm’.
National dementia action plan launched The roadmap is designed to ensure quality of life for patients, with prevention and education a ‘huge piece of the picture’.