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In Practice: NDIS information sessions
The NDIA is running online information sessions throughout November to help GPs navigate changes to the early childhood approach.
The NDIS’s early childhood approach has been expanded to include children under nine.
This week’s In Practice also includes an opportunity to help shape child mental health planning and policy, a reminder to utilise member-exclusive clinical resources, and webinars on COPD, self-collection for cervical screening, and antimicrobial stewardship.
NDIS information sessions: The early childhood approach
Prior to 1 July, the National Disability Insurance Scheme’s (NDIS) early childhood approach supported children younger than seven; however, it has since been expanded to now include those under nine.
To help GPs manage the change-in-age range, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is running online information sessions throughout November, specifically targeted at attendees located in early childhood partner areas.
More information and registration is available online.
Help shape child mental health planning and policy
Emerging Minds is conducting another National Workforce Survey for Family, Parent and Child Mental Health, following the success of its inaugural survey in 2020–21.
Those who participate will help to inform strategies and policy to better meet the needs of health, social and community services workers across Australia, and support improved outcomes for infants, children and families.
Participants also have the opportunity to win one of three iPads, with the draw set to take place next month.
The survey closes on 15 November.
Free COPD webinar
Webinar: Wednesday 15 November, 7.00 – 8.00 pm (AEDT)
CPD: 1 hour
Cost: Free
Keeping lungs healthy is an integral part of future health and it is now more important than ever to act sooner. There are many other factors besides tobacco smoking that can contribute to COPD and that can start early in life and effect young individuals.
In addition, GOLD has identified precursor conditions that can provide new opportunities for early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
In 2023, World COPD Day (15 November) is aiming to highlight the importance of early lung health, early diagnosis and early interventions, via its theme of ‘Breathing is Life – Act Earlier’.
GPs are encouraged to attend this free webinar, facilitated by the Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Respiratory Medicine Dr Kerry Hancock and presented in partnership with Boehringer, to help implement evidence-based assessment tools and treatment algorithms in clinical practice.
Register online.
Utilise clinical resources in the RACGP Library
For reliable information to share with patients or to assist discussions about treatment options, members can access some useful resources in the library’s collection.
Resources include Murtagh’s Patient Education handouts, which are listed alphabetically and can be filtered by format or topic in the left hand navigation pane. Alternatively, members can search for individual conditions via the Murtagh Collection search box to find printable sheets to give to patients.
DynaMed is another invaluable resource that members can use to inform their practice. Use the search box to find a condition of interest and select ‘condition’ from search results.
Scroll down through headings in left hand navigation to find:
- patient information – resources from reliable organisations
- patient decision aids – to assist discussion on treatment options with your patients.
Members not already logged into the RACGP website will be prompted via the OpenAthens box to log in using their college username and password.
Patient resources are also provided within each of the conditions and interventions sections of the
Handbook of Non-Drug Interventions (HANDI).
Speculum sabbatical – Supporting self-collection for cervical screening
Webinar: Tuesday 21 November, 7.00 – 8.30 pm (AEDT)
CPD: 1.5 EA hour
Cost: Free
Cervical screening can be uncomfortable for patients, leading to hesitancy and avoidance, but it is our most important tool as we work to eliminate cervical cancer in Australia.
By giving your speculum a sabbatical, GPs can offer a more patient-centred screening experience, eliminate discomfort, and improve screening rates.
Presented in partnership with the Department of Health and Aged Care’s
National Cervical Screening Program, this webinar will equip attendees with the knowledge and skills to confidently guide eligible patients through self-collection for cervical screening.
While this education was previously presented in August, it has been extended by 30 minutes to answer more of the questions posed by interested GPs, meaning prior attendees are welcome to join again to refresh their existing knowledge or to further expand their understanding.
Register online.
Antimicrobial stewardship in primary care
Webinar: Thursday 9 November, 7.00 – 8.00 pm (AEDT)
Having patients continually request antibiotics for viral conditions can be draining, especially when antibiotics are in short supply.
This webinar, hosted in partnership with Kenvue, presents evidence-based approaches for managing antimicrobial stewardship and aims to provide GPs with resources to navigate discussions with patients and understand common conditions that are overprescribed.
Learning outcomes:
- Build awareness of conditions for which antibiotics are being overprescribed
- Assist GPs in understanding patient behaviour which drives antibiotic seeking
- Present evidence-based approaches for reducing antibiotic use in primary care
Speakers:
- Dr Mina Bakhit, postdoctoral research Fellow
- Professor Tammy Hoffman, clinical epidemiologist who leads the Centre for Evidence-Informed Health Decisions
Register online.
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