New Cancer Australia guide for GPs on investigation of breast symptoms Cancer Australia’s new Investigation of a new breast symptom: A guide for general practitioners has been developed in recognition of the vital role GPs play in the assessment of possible breast cancer symptoms.
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.’
How to write effective referral letters – three useful examples Referral letters are a vital, if time-consuming, aspect of a GP’s life. A well-written referral can make all the difference when a patient visits a specialist, and show a level of care and expertise on the part of the referring clinician.
Australians misusing painkillers Figures have shown that 75% of recent painkiller/opioid misusers in Australia reported misusing an over-the-counter codeine product in 2016. This follows recent news that drug-induced deaths in Australia are at their highest rates in almost two decades, with opioids killing more people than illicit drugs methamphetamines and heroin.
Vaccine-hesitant patients The RACGP is firm in its belief that GPs, as the community’s first point of healthcare contact, are the most trusted source of advice on immunisations. As such, it is important that GPs understand all aspects of this vital aspect of healthcare, including common misinformation regarding perceived harms of childhood vaccination, as well as how to effectively deal with patients who are reluctant to have their child immunised.
Closing the smoking gap for pregnant women With as many as 45% of pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women smoking during pregnancy, compared to 13% of non-Indigenous women, it is vital that healthcare professionals are equipped with the best available tools to aid in their smoking cessation.
AIHW says 50% of women experience violence Almost half of Australian women have experienced violence since the age of 15, according to statistics released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
Clinical Pearl: Osteoporosis and breast cancer Bone health is of paramount importance for patients undergoing aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy for breast cancer. While endocrine treatments improve cancer-specific outcomes, they may cause severe hypogonadism leading to accelerated bone loss.
Opioids leading in drug-induced deaths Drug-related deaths in Australia are at their highest levels in the last two decades, according to figures released yesterday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Sports and mental health The bracingly honest words from 25-year-old AFL footballer Alex Fasolo about his struggles with depression have highlighted the fact issues of mental health can affect anyone, even professional athletes who are often revered as near-gods.