RACGP research to shape the future of a healthier Australia
The RACGP Foundation has launched its ‘Frontline’ campaign to promote the vital work conducted by Australian general practice researchers and its benefit to the community.
The launch of the ‘Frontline’ campaign coincides with the announcement of the recipients of the 2017 Foundation grants and awards.
Each of this year’s recipients has made a significant and valuable contribution to primary care research and to Australian health.
Visit the RACGP Foundation website to explore research case studies, read stories about how general practice research is playing a crucial role in Australia’s health care system and find out which doctors received 2017 Foundation grants and awards.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th edition
RACGP members can now access an updated version of The Australian Immunisation Handbook (The Handbook).
The Handbook provides clinical advice for health professionals on the safest and most effective use of vaccines in their practice.
Visit the Immunise Australia website for more information.
Agreement to review mandatory reporting and save lives
Persistent efforts by the RACGP to encourage state and territory governments to end mandatory reporting have been successful.
In a Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Health Council meeting on Friday 4 August, Australia’s health ministers unanimously agreed – that while patient safety is paramount – medical practitioners should be able to seek healthcare without fear of being reported.
The RACGP had expressed deep concern about the current regulations requiring GPs to report fellow practitioners who seek help regarding a health condition that might affect their work.
Log in to shareGP to join the discussion on the review of mandatory reporting laws.
Growth in after-hours general practice services not reducing demand on emergency departments
The RACGP’s position on after-hours home visiting services has been supported by the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM).
In a statement this week, the ACEM said research has shown the current model of after-hours primary health care does not result in a substantial rate of avoidance of emergency department (ED) presentation at hospitals, particularly in well-serviced metropolitan areas.
Visit the ACEM website to read the media release.
Visit the RACGP website to read the After-hours home visiting services in primary healthcare position statement.
RACGP recruitment – Seeking applications
National Research and Evaluation Ethics Committee, Pastoral Care Member
The RACGP National Research and Evaluation Ethics Committee (NREEC) is seeking applications for the role of Pastoral Care Member. The vacancy exists for a person who performs a pastoral care role in a community, for example an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander elder or a minister of religion.
The successful applicant must be familiar with, and base decisions regarding research applications on, the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research and other related guidelines and legislation.
Visit the RACGP Foundation website to view the full job advertisement and details on how to apply.
RACGP Expert Committee, General Practice Advocacy and Funding Member
The RACGP is seeking applications for a new member to join the RACGP Expert Committee – General Practice Advocacy and Funding (REC-GPAF).
The REC-GPAF advocates for GPs and general practice, promoting the importance of patient safety and quality care, better recognition and reward for GPs, and investment into primary healthcare infrastructure, teams, training and technology.
Visit the RACGP website for more information on the work of the REC-GPAF.
Please email advocacy@racgp.org.au to request an application form.
Clinical pearl: Exercise for the prevention of osteoporosis – What is a multimodal exercise program?
One in two women and one in three men suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture over their lifetime due to increased risk of falls.
For adults without osteoporosis or a history of low-trauma fracture, there is increasing evidence that multimodal exercise programs are beneficial for preventing bone loss and reducing fracture risk.
Multimodal exercise programs include progressive resistance training in combination with multidirectional, weight-bearing exercises and challenging balance/mobility training and help to increase bone strength.
Programs should combine a range of weight-bearing impact exercises (eg hill-walking, jogging, jumping, skipping, dancing, circuit training) and progressive resistance training involving high load and low repetition.
Exercise training is generally safe and effective for most patients with an increased risk of osteoporosis. Some activities may need to be modified for those with severe osteoporosis or who have previously sustained an osteoporotic vertebral fracture.
Read the RACGP’s Handbook on non-drug interventions (HANDI) on the RACGP website for exercise descriptions.
Visit the RACGP website for more information on preventing osteoporosis.
In Practice poll: General practice-based pharmacists
In a recent submission to the Review of Pharmacy Remuneration and Regulation, the RACGP detailed how a general practice-based pharmacist (GPP) could support medication governance and safety in general practice.
The RACGP submission proposed that dispensing and other fees generally associated with community pharmacy could be ‘cashed out’ to support the GPP role. A GPP would take responsibility for medication governance within a general practice and be responsible for:
- medication issues, including face-to-face patient education
- practice audits for quality medication management
- dispensing emergency medication
- facilitating improved population medication management based on practice records.
The RACGP is interested in the extent to which your practice already includes, or would consider including, a pharmacist as part of the practice team. If your practice is engaging a pharmacist who undertakes medication governance and safety activities, we welcome any comments on your experience, which can be made by emailing advocacy@racgp.org.au