May 2019

World No Tobacco Day is annually recognised on 31 May to raise awareness of the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure. This year’s World No Tobacco Day will focus on tobacco and lung health, bringing attention to tobacco’s negative impact on people’s lung health and the fundamental role lungs play for the health and wellbeing of all people. The following resources are available to help you engage with your patients: The National Guide to a preventive health assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islan...

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) runs annually from 27 May to 3 June. It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.   There are still opportunities for you to participate in NRW: Have a look at the NRW Guide , which tells you everything you need to know about the definition of reconciliation to advice on how to have respectful and culturally safe conversations Read the RACGP’s position statement on Abor...

The RACGP's inaugural GP wellbeing survey  has been designed to gain insights and opinions on GP wellbeing in Australian general practice. GPs and general practice registrars currently practising in Australia are invited to contribute and have their say. Your experience and insights will assist the RACGP in understanding the supports that are currently accessed, where future investment is needed, and the barriers and challenges faced by GPs in relation to their own wellbeing and mental health. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to c...

The Fiji College of General Practitioners (FCGP) invites you to the 27th Annual Conference held 28–30 June at the Shangri-La Fijian Resort in Cuvu, Sigatoka, Fiji. This annual event will bring together health professionals and international colleagues to share knowledge on the conference theme, ‘Climate Change – Public Health and Families’. Visit the FCGP conference website for more information on the program and speakers.

The RACGP’s updated Telehealth video consultations guide consolidates a number of previous resources to outline the clinical, administrative and technical considerations for this mode of healthcare delivery. The guide is designed to support GPs and other eligible practitioners in providing safe and effective telehealth video consultations.   While telehealth is broad, the updated guide focuses on video consultations covered under the Medicare Benefits Schedule where a GP is physically present with the patient to provide patient-end services d...

The RACGP has made a submission to the Nurse Practitioner Reference Group (the Reference Group), a sub-committee of the MBS Review Taskforce. The RACGP response to the Reference Group’s Report : opposes the Reference Group’s recommendations to: expand the scope of practice for nurse practitioners to provide Medicare funded services remove current requirements for nurse practitioners to collaborate with doctors in delivering care to patients create new, and expand current, nurse practitioner telehealth items. supports the Reference Gr...

The RACGP recognises that GPs and general practice staff have embraced social media at a rapid rate, and guidance around safe and professional usage within general practice is necessary. While there are benefits, there are also potential risks associated with GPs and general practice staff participating in social media. Professional and safe conduct online is paramount. The RACGP has published the updated Social media in general practice guide and accompanying Social media policy template , designed to support GPs and practice teams in the in...

Consultation on the RACGP  White Paper – Vision for general practice and a sustainable healthcare system (the Vision)  closes Friday 31 May 2019. Member feedback on the Vision White Paper is fundamental to its development. As the underpinning policy position of the RACGP and general practice, it is important that the Vision outlines a future for the profession that GPs can champion. The RACGP encourages all members to provide their feedback via the  consultation survey .  Any questions regarding the Vision White Paper can be directed to h...