RACGP Extraordinary General Meeting – Vote on 30 May
A considerable amount of discussion continues to take place in shareGP about the proposed RACGP governance changes and the extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on the 30 May.
Members will vote on the special resolutions, which contain the proposed constitutional changes, at the EGM. The explanatory memorandum, also available in shareGP, provides an explanation of those special resolutions.
The EGM will be held virtually and streamed online, allowing member participation from any location. Eligible members will be invited to vote online either during the EGM, or before the EGM via proxy.
To assist the RACGP in addressing all questions, comments and concerns, members are strongly encouraged to engage with the conversation in shareGP and view the relevant documents on the RACGP website.
RACGP requests streamlined authority system for commonly prescribed general practice medications
RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel has this week written to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to propose further streamlining of the authority system for medications commonly prescribed in general practice.
This letter follows a shareGP discussion initiated by RACGP Chair of Council Dr Tim Koh regarding streamlined authorities.
The RACGP believes there is ongoing interest from GPs for an easy-to-use authority system that supports the provision of efficient and effective care in general practice.
In the letter, Dr Seidel has outlined the need for further streamlining of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) authority medications and procedural reforms that reduce red tape and the administrative burden upon already time-poor GPs.
The RACGP had previously written to PBAC in 2009 and 2014 in relation to inefficiencies regarding the authority prescribing system.
Log into shareGP to read Dr Seidel’s letter to the PBAC.
2017 National Immunisation Program seasonal influenza vaccines
The 2017 National Immunisation Program (NIP) seasonal influenza vaccines are currently being distributed around Australia.
Vaccine providers play a key role in informing patients about the 2017 seasonal influenza vaccines.
To assist in promoting the vaccines, GPs are encouraged to:
- promote the vaccine to eligible people through the display of posters and brochures
- offer vaccination throughout the influenza season, particularly to high-risk groups
- ensure vaccine safety by checking the correct vaccine is provided to each patient
- report all influenza vaccinations to the Australian Immunisation Register.
Visit the Immunise Australia Program website for further information.
Department of Health communications for practices registered for Practice Incentive Program eHealth Incentive
Practices that registered for the Practice Incentive Program (PIP) eHealth Incentive, but did not meet their target for uploading shared health summaries, will shortly receive advice from the Department of Health (DoH) on the steps they must now take.
GPs are advised to read the DoH correspondence carefully and understand its implications for their practice. If you do not agree with DOH’s assessment of your PIP eHealth Incentive compliance, it is very important you contact them immediately to discuss your issues. If there are compelling circumstances that have prevented your practice from achieving your shared health summary targets, you are still able to seek an exemption.
Practices located in an area affected by ex-tropical cyclone Debbie will not receive correspondence relating to the ePIP Incentive or the repayment of funds until recovery efforts are further advanced.
Clinical Pearl: Do not recommend the regular use of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) in older people
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), including COX inhibitors, are not usually required for longer than short-term relief of acute pain. Treatment should be reassessed if the acute pain has not resolved within two weeks.
Oral NSAIDs have considerable risks for cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and kidney function. They should not be recommended without consideration of the patient’s additional diseases or conditions; in particular, for older people and people with kidney disease, a history of peptic ulcer disease, hypertension or heart failure.
Older people should use the lowest possible dose of an oral NSAID for the shortest possible duration. If they are on long-term NSAIDs, the effectiveness of the NSAIDs should be regularly assessed against risk, with a view to reducing the dose or ceasing. If cessation is not possible, a shorter half-life NSAID (eg ibuprofen) may be preferable. Multiple NSAIDs should not be taken at the same time.
Visit the Choosing Wisely Australia website for more information, including exceptions and supporting evidence.
In Practice poll results: PHN engagement with GPs and general practice in your area
July 2015 saw the establishment of 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs), with the prime objectives of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for patients and improving coordination of care.
The RACGP is interested in the level of engagement members are having with their PHN after the PHNs’ first 18 months of operation.
The RACGP recently sought feedback from PHN Clinical Council representatives. These representatives noted that, in some cases, their contributions have been valued and that PHNs are mindful of GP engagement. However, further feedback noted apprehension toward Clinical Councils providing a ‘stamp of approval’ with no real action, and that some PHNs are not representative of the GPs in the area.
Replying to this poll, almost half of respondents (47%) noted their PHN has little presence or involvement in their practice, while a further quarter of respondents (25%) noted no PHN presence or involvement in their practice. Only a small percentage of respondents (10%) noticed a significant presence or involvement from their PHN.
The RACGP thanks all poll respondents. Your responses will be used to help inform the RACGP’s dialogue on PHN support for general practice. An ongoing open consultation has now commenced to collect feedback on how PHNs are supporting you and your practice and to understand your experience of working with your PHN.