Decade-first guidance on FASD diagnosis The ‘groundbreaking’ guidelines aim to improve assessment and diagnosis of the disorder and arm GPs with more confidence.
Alcohol once again leading cause for drug treatment As more patients seek out alcohol and other drug treatment, GPs say with greater funding many more could be supported in general practice.
Drug summit report reveals points for reform Building a better trained workforce is among its recommendations, with GPs calling for recognition of their ‘life-saving role’.
Nicotine pouches an ‘evidence-free zone’ The products are the latest to seduce Australia’s young people, but they remain unregulated. What can GPs do about this worrying trend?
Opioid agonist treatment prevents hundreds of suicides: Study Australian research predicts the treatment has prevented around 300 suicide deaths among NSW patients with opioid use disorder.
Coroner stresses need for complete discharge summaries A quality care expert says findings around a woman’s death from prescription medications are a reminder of the importance of continuity of care.
GP backs coroner’s call for alcohol delivery curfew New coronial findings into the alcohol-induced death of a Victorian woman have prompted calls for sales restrictions, and funds to enable GPs to diagnose problems sooner.
Number of opioid prescriptions falls Monash University researchers also found a drop in long-term prescriptions but a rise in the number of prescriptions started by young people.
Alcohol and pregnancy campaign benefit estimated at $236 million New analysis has suggested a public awareness campaign aimed at pregnant women is having significant financial and wellbeing advantages.
NSW to trial pill testing The State Government says its decision to greenlight a 12-month trial at festivals is based on advice from experts and those with lived experience.