News
In Practice: Health of the Nation survey still open
With less than two weeks until the annual survey closes, the RACGP is reminding members that their insights drive change in general practice.
The annual Health of the Nation report informs RACGP advocacy to government, influencing policy changes to strengthen general practice.
This week’s In Practice also includes an online conference for general practice supervisors, a reminder on Mental Health Treatment Plan referral requirements, and the risk of Middle East respiratory syndrome with the upcoming Islamic pilgrimage, Hajj.
Health of the Nation survey still open
The 2026 Health of the Nation survey is open until 3 May, 11.59 pm (AEST).
Results of the survey shape the annual Health of the Nation report which informs RACGP advocacy to government, helping secure funding and policy changes that strengthen general practice. The survey takes 15 minutes and is anonymous.
Online Supervision Symposium
Tuesday 12 May, 8.00 am to Wednesday 13 May 8.00 am (AEST)
General Practice Supervision Australia (GPSA) is hosting an Online Supervision Symposium. Over one continuous 24-hour period, GP supervisors and supervision teams, registrars, educators and medical learners are invited to take part in a dynamic program of fast-paced, bite-sized education sessions.
Australian and international presenters include:
- Dr Neepa Thacker (United Kingdom), ‘Preparing medical students for future clinical practice: Navigating complexity and uncertainty
- Dr Helen Mullner (Australia), hosting a supervisor GP dinner
- Dr Oluseyi Akinola (Canada), ‘From barriers to breakthroughs: Supporting IMG learners in family medicine
- Dr Gerard Ingham (Australia), ‘Helping your registrar with the GP approach to managing uncertainty
Explore the
full program online.
Mental Health Treatment Plan referral requirements
As psychologists cannot assume the number of sessions in a referral is six, it is a requirement for GPs to include the number of sessions in any psychologist referral. If there is no number of sessions written, psychologists need to contact GPs to ask them the number of sessions. This is an added delay to the patient accessing care, and additional administrative burden for both GP and psychologist. A patient can continue on the same MHTP indefinitely, with the GP updating the original plan over the years if appropriate. In a calendar year (1 January to 31 December), a patient can receive the following services:
- up to 10 individual Medicare-rebated mental health services for psychological therapy or Focussed Psychological Strategies
- up to 10 group therapy services (involving 4–10 patients as part of psychological therapy or Focussed Psychological Strategies).
If there are remaining (unused) sessions, referrals can be carried over into the next calendar year. Next time GPs do a referral, ensure to include the number of sessions. More information about MHTP referrals is available on the
GPMHSC website or email
gpmhsc@racgp.org.au
Middle East respiratory syndrome and Hajj
The annual Islamic pilgrimage, Hajj, will take place from 24–30 May, and around 2000 Australians may travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate.
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness with a high fatality rate, caused by MERS coronavirus. Saudi Arabia is experiencing ongoing clusters of MERS, with 84% of cases worldwide reported from this region. People with existing health conditions that make them more vulnerable to respiratory disease are at a higher risk of becoming very unwell or dying due to MERS. There is no vaccination against MERS, but travellers should ensure they are up to date with all recommended vaccinations.
Detailed MERS information for travellers and health professionals can be found
on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s website.
GPs should remain vigilant for signs of MERS in returned travellers and ensure suspected cases are managed appropriately. MERS is a nationally notifiable disease, so all suspected, probable, and confirmed cases should be reported to the appropriate
state or territory public health unit.
Queensland GPs: Dermatology workshops
Introduction to dermoscopy
Date: Friday 5 June, 1.00 – 5.30 pm (AEST)
Venue: Karstens, 215 Adelaide Street, Brisbane
Cost: $400 for members
CPD: 2.5 hours EA and 1.5 RP
Register online
Dermoscopy is a highly valuable tool for GPs in the day-to-day evaluation of skin lesions. This half-day workshop provides an introduction and overview of dermoscopy, its benefits and abilities in diagnosing and monitoring skin lesions.
Dermatological surgery
Date: Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 June, 8.30 am – 5.00 pm (AEST)
Venue: Karstens, 215 Adelaide Street, Brisbane
Cost: $2640 for members
CPD: Two-day workshop: 5 hours EA and 9 RP | DermCert4 online course: 15 hours EA and 10 RP
Register online
This two-day dermatological surgery workshop will enable GPs to perform a range of dermatological surgical techniques including determining when to use non-surgical treatments for skin cancer, complications and risk, and more advanced surgical techniques. The workshop prerequisite is DermCert4: Practical procedures in dermatology. The course covers 15 common procedures such as steroid injections, local anaesthesia, biopsy techniques, curettage, flap repairs, closures, and wound care.
RACGP Queensland is offering limited, heavily discounted places for Queensland GPs in MMM 2–7 to complete this workshop at a reduced rate of $1320.
Find more information and apply
through the RACGP website. Registrations are for either workshop as a stand-alone event and/or bundle with DermCert 4. Visit the website or contact
dermcert@racgp.org.au for more information.
Resolving chronic low back pain through graded sensorimotor retraining
Webinar: Thursday 30 April, 7.30 – 8.30 pm (AEST)
CPD: 1 EA hours
Register online
Drawing on the latest findings from the
RESOLVE trial, this webinar will introduce graded sensorimotor retraining. It will explore how the intervention produced meaningful and sustained reductions in pain and disability by helping people with chronic low back pain rethink, reset, and reload their pain system through a structured, progressive program of education, sensory, and motor training.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs updates
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is developing a five-year research strategy to provide a clear framework to guide future research commissioned by the DVA, and is
seeking input from healthcare providers.
The DVA is also
hosting a free webinar, Thursday 30 April, 4.00 – 5.00 pm (AEST), to introduce its new research and evaluation model, ‘Veteran and Family – Learning and Innovation Network of Knowledge’.
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