2019 Convocation submission period now open
The 2019 Convocation submission period is now open in shareGP.
Log in to the shareGP 2019 Convocation space to submit a Convocation item as well as comment on items posted by others.
The Convocation submission period closes 12.00 noon Friday 9 August (AEST).
All key dates for Convocation are available in shareGP or on the RACGP website.
View how to create a Convocation item on the RACGP Convocation help page or contact convocation@racgp.org.au for troubleshooting and submission enquires.
Have your say on point-of-care testing in general practice
With support and funding provided by the Federal Department of Health, Drajon Consulting are undertaking a project to understand the current and potential use of point-of-care testing (PoCT) in practices across Australia.
A component of this project is a short survey that is currently open and seeks to gain insight on the benefits of PoCT for GPs and their patients.
Your involvement in this survey, whether you are already undertaking PoCT services or considering undertaking PoCT services, will provide valuable feedback regarding the future of PoCT in general practice.
De-identified and aggregated responses will be provided to the Department of Health.
Visit the survey page to complete the questions.
Specific Interests Webinar Series – Getting started in medical education
RACGP Specific Interests will launch a three-part series on medical education, supervision and research on Wednesday 31 July.
In the first webinar Dr Rebecca Stewart will present ‘Getting started in medical education’, exploring the roles and responsibilities of a medical educator, the varied routes into medical education, the differences between medical education and supervision, and the resources and supports available to GPs with an interest in medical education.
The ‘Getting started in medical education’ webinar will be held 7.00–8.00 pm (AEST).
Visit the RACGP website to register.
RACGP eHealth webinar series – Technology in general practice
The July eHealth webinar is designed to provide an overview of the role of technology in general practice, and how these technologies can be safely and confidently implemented and managed in general practices.
Topics covered in these webinars include:
- using email
- secure electronic communication
- follow-up systems
- online appointment technologies
- safe disposal of hardware
- using mobile devices for clinical photos.
A number of session times are available, and webinars are accredited for two Category 2 RACGP QI&CPD points and are free of charge for all participants.
Visit the RACGP website to register, and also to access webinar recordings at the conclusion of each month’s sessions.
Antibiotic prescribing in primary care: Therapeutic Guidelines
In April 2019 Therapeutic Guidelines Limited (TGL) published the 16th edition of their Antibiotic Guidelines. TGL is transitioning to continuous updating and have ceased publishing book versions of their guidelines.
To assist GPs with the implementation of the new antibiotic prescribing recommendations and improve antimicrobial stewardship, TGL published a summary table about the management of common infective presentations in primary care in the June release of eTG complete.
The summary is currently available within eTG complete.
Middle East respiratory syndrome and the Hajj
GPs are encouraged to talk with patients who are travelling to the Middle East for Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage held 9–14 August, about the risks of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) Coronavirus, and to be alert to symptoms upon their return.
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that are known to cause serious illness, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). MERS-CoV was first identified in the Middle East.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is experiencing an ongoing outbreak of MERS, associated with infections in healthcare facilities and exposure to camels and camel products.
People with existing health conditions that make them more vulnerable to respiratory disease are at higher risk of becoming very unwell or dying due to MERS.
All suspected, probable and confirmed cases should be reported to the state or territory public health unit as MERS is a nationally notifiable disease.
The Department of Health (DoH) has developed further resources for health professionals and travellers about MERS.
Visit the DoH website for more information on MERS and the RACGP website to view the Infection prevention and control standards for general practices.