Weaning plans at heart of new opioid care standard The guidelines, the first national clinical care standard for prescription opioid use in acute care, are designed to minimise the risks of harm.
RACGP Rural marks 30 years The college’s rural faculty was formed in April 1992 to advocate, educate and support GPs in more remote parts of the country.
Health officials flag increased use of antivirals as COVID becomes endemic The new oral treatments are likely to play a more central role in limiting the impact of COVID-19, but health authorities are still assessing how that will take shape.
‘Dire’ new data highlights RHD challenge Figures released by the AIHW illustrate the huge task in tackling rheumatic heart disease, which the Government has committed to eradicating by 2031.
ATAGI issues advice on sedation for COVID-19 vaccination The advice, which is intended to be ‘general in nature’, was discussed at the advisory group’s most recent meeting.
COVID antiviral order doubled ahead of PBS listing Paxlovid will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from May, with ‘really positive responses’ reported so far.
Pulse oximeters ‘no better than asking patients’: Study Using pulse oximeters offers no noticeable improvement in health outcomes for COVID-19 patients in home care, a trial carried out in the US suggests.
Study highlights vaping harms – and evidence gaps A new systemic review says e-cigarettes can be a ‘gateway’ to greater tobacco use, but researchers say many unknowns remain.
Which diseases prompt the most spending in Australia? A new analysis published by the AIHW has ranked the spending per case of each disease in Australia for the first time.
Concern over significant NPS MedicineWise changes The recent budget revealed a ‘redesign’ for stewarding the quality use of medicines, with major implications for the organisation.