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’.
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.
New finger prick tests trialled to inform better prescribing It is hoped the tests will one day be used by GPs to instantly determine whether common respiratory infections need antibiotics.
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.
GPs feel patient pressure for ‘unnecessary’ antibiotics: Poll One quarter of GPs say they experience this demand daily, with one expert saying it risks becoming a ‘point of tension’ with patients.
Push for antimicrobial resistance public awareness Australia’s Chief Medical Officer is renewing his push for patients not to pressure prescribers into approving unnecessary treatments.
‘Sleep psychologist’ directory to assist with de-prescribing The newly launched provider registry helps GPs refer insomnia patients to CBT – in a move away from prescribing benzodiazepines.
Calls for online register to raise drug reaction reporting With adverse reactions going under-reported by patients, researchers say a new digital tool could be key to tracking the scale of the problem.
Drug data highlights stark regional divides Cocaine, heroin and ketamine use is higher in cities than the regions, found a report showing ‘people will use what they can access’.
‘Almost untreatable’ superbug linked to common antibiotic In a way ‘never seen before’, one antibiotic has been found to be driving resistance to another and exposing patients to superbugs.