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In Practice: Prescription Shopping Information Service changes
From May, GPs will no longer be able to receive a copy of a Patient Summary Report via fax, Services Australia has advised.
Prescribers will soon need to access Patient Summary Reports through Health Professional Online Services using their PRODA account.
This week’s round-up also includes details on the upcoming Australian Dementia Research Forum, as well as information on a host of new clinical and professional webinars.
Changes to the Prescription Shopping Information Service
From 1 May, GPs will no longer be able to receive a copy of a Patient Summary Report via fax when contacting the Prescription Shopping Information Service.
Prescribers will need to access this information through Health Professional Online Services (HPOS) using their Provider Digital Access (PRODA) account.
Removing the fax option ensures patients information is better protected through a secure authenticated channel as well as moving away from an outdated and unreliable technology.
Further information on using HPOS and PRODA can be found on the Services Australia website.
Australian Dementia Research Forum
Monday – Wednesday, 29–31 May
Location: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa, Surfers Paradise, Queensland
The premier event for bringing together dementia researchers, health professionals and policy makers, as well as people living with dementia and their families and carers, this year’s Australian Dementia Research Forum is focused on discovery, diagnostics and management.
GPs interested in being informed on the latest diagnostic tools for assessing cognitive decline in general practice are encouraged to attend.
With dementia now the leading cause of disease burden in Australians aged over 65 years, it is estimated that more than 400,000 people were living with the diseases in 2022, and this number is expected to reach one million by 2056.
According to the Australian Dementia Network, dementia and cognitive health will continue to be a complex and challenging area of healthcare, putting pressure on GPs and the healthcare system for prevention, accurate diagnosis, treatment and care.
Dementia research is vital to develop effective treatment therapies and arm healthcare providers with the skills and knowledge to accurately and efficiently assess cognitive health in patients by engaging with the latest developments in this field, as well as ensuring:
- access to reliable, low-cost diagnostics
- training to maximise the benefit of new treatments
- patient participation in clinical trials
- early detection of dementia through accurate blood tests.
The CPD-approved 2023 forum will offer sessions on:
- emerging research
- diagnostic tools
- clinical trials and therapeutic developments in dementia
- new and best-practice assessments to detect cognitive decline in general practice.
Register online.
Finding your path: Discovering careers in general practice
Webinar: Monday 22 May, 7.00 – 8.00 pm (AEST)
CPD: 1 hour EA
This panel discussion will explore and celebrate general practice careers, providing a unique and inspiring opportunity for members to reflect on their career journey and reconnect with continuing development as a practitioner.
Early career GPs are encouraged to explore their strengths and develop a sustainable career and continued passion for their profession. Attendees will be able to ask questions during a dedicated Q&A at the end of the session.
Register online.
Violence and the law
Webinar: Tuesday 9 May, 7.00 – 8.30 pm (AEST)
Domestic and family violence is an important issue for GPs in their everyday practice. Many patients who experience domestic and family violence will be involved in multiple legal processes. It is important that GPs have a general understanding of these issues and their reporting duties in this context.
Presented by Professor Heather Douglas, who researches legal responses to domestic and family violence at the Melbourne Law School, this webinar will:
- discuss the different types of domestic and family violence
- discuss the legal issues people experiencing domestic and family violence may face
- outline the reporting duties of general practitioners.
This educational activity is approved for 3 CPD points.
Register online.
GOLD 2023 COPD update: Controversies, opportunities, and relevance to Australian practice
Webinar: Wednesday 31 May, 7.00 – 8.00 pm (AEST)
CPD: 1 hour EA
The
GOLD 2023 Guidelines have been updated to reflect the body of evidence in the treatment and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Hosted by Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Respiratory Medicine, Dr Kerry Hancock, and featuring Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital consultant in respiratory and sleep medicine, Associate Professor John Blakey,
this session will outline the new guidelines and their impact on clinical practice, with a focus on:
- treatable traits and how they shape COPD treatment
- relevance of international guidelines on Australian practice and primary care
- principles for appropriate inhaler choice and environmental considerations.
Register online.
Exploring, assessing and formulating: Common practice challenges in child mental health
Webinar: Thursday 11 May, 7.00 – 8.30 pm (AEST)
CPD: 1.5 hours EA
Assessment and formulation processes present multiple challenges for GPs responding to families where there are concerns about children’s mental health and wellbeing.
Based on a case study,
this webinar will explore differences between formulation and diagnosis in the context of child mental health, as well as other common practice challenges, and include the perspective of a GP, psychiatrist and a person with lived experience.
Presented by
Emerging Minds and
RACGP Specific Interests Child and Young Person’s Health.
Register online.
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