18 August 2017


RACGP supports call to reduce patient overdiagnosis and overtreatment

The RACGP is one of several peak health bodies in Australia calling for a plan to stop patient harm by overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

An RACGP-endorsed statement released this week by Wiser Healthcare suggests there is growing evidence and concern about the problem of ‘too much medicine’.

Wiser Healthcare has called for the development of a national action plan to prevent overdiagnosis and overtreatment in Australia and ensure consumers, clinicians, political decision-makers and the public are better informed about the potential harms, as well as benefits, of medical tests and treatments.

Visit the Wiser Healthcare website to read the statement.


RACGP National Disability Insurance Scheme submission

The RACGP has prepared a submission on the transitional arrangements for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and also on the provision of services under the NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention Approach (ECEI) as part of an inquiry into the implementation, performance and governance of the NDIS.

The RACGP’s submission on the transitional arrangement noted the NDIS has a significant way to go in supporting GPs and their patients wanting to access NDIS services. It highlights the GP role in effective management and support of patients with disabilities, and calls on the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to implement better strategies for collaboration with GPs.

The submission on the provision of services under the NDIS ECEI Approach responded to a range of topics regarding the ECEI pathway. The RACGP noted that while it supports the aims of the ECEI, there is no clear strategy to reduce the fragmentation of care implicit in the current arrangements.

The RACGP and the NDIA have commenced discussing opportunities for collaboration between the two bodies, including on the issue of distribution of information to GPs.


Get the facts – Launch of the childhood immunisation education campaign

RACGP members can access promotional posters and brochures to share with their patients as part of the Federal Government’s ‘Get the Facts’ childhood immunisation education campaign.

The campaign explains the benefits of childhood vaccinations for the individual and the community, addresses misconceptions, and encourages timely completion of the childhood vaccinations schedule.

Visit the Get the facts website for more information and to download campaign resources for your practice.


Exam writing workshops at GP17

RACGP members are invited to attend a range of exam writing workshops at GP17. There will be three active learning modules (ALMs) covering question writing for the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT), Key Feature Problem (KFP) exam and Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE).

Each of the ALMs will cover key concepts in assessment and medical education, and practical instructions for developing well-crafted exam questions.

The ALMs are each accredited for 40 Category 1 QI&CPD points.

Visit the GP17 website for more information and to register.


Clinical pearl: Should you treat recurrent or persistent vulvovaginal thrush symptoms with anti-fungals?

Topical and oral anti-fungal agents, prescribed or self-administered, are appropriate treatment for vulvovaginal candidiasis.

However, if symptoms are recurrent or persistent, further clinical and microbiological assessment is important to rule out other causes such as bacterial vaginosis or genital herpes.

Moreover, inappropriate use of antifungal drugs can lead to increased fungal resistance, especially in non-albicans species of candida.

Visit the Choosing Wisely Australia website for more information.

The RACGP is a proud member of Choosing Wisely Australia, an initiative of NPS MedicineWise.

Be Medicinewise Week runs from 21–27 August 2017.


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


Media enquiries

Journalists and media outlets seeking comment and information from the RACGP should contact:

John Ronan

Senior Media Advisor