June 2020

Hopefully, we’re seeing the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic. Every GP and every clinic has felt its impact, from changes to our workflow and the introduction of telephone and video consulting to how we now manage presentations with upper respiratory symptoms when we don’t know what COVID-19 looks like. Access to personal protective equipment (PPE) was a problem throughout, and remains an issue. And now we’re presented with the problems of how our communities are going back to work and what happens to people who fit the definition of 'vulnerable' in the determinations. Fortunately, we have many opportunities to discuss this with the community on radio, TV and in the newspapers.

We’re now into awards season. This is the time when we can recognise the work of GPs, supervisors, GPs in training and general practices across our state. Put in your nominations. We’ve had a challenging year, and it’s time for us to find a way to recognise the excellence that is around us. Visit the RACGP website to nominate.

Dr Cameron Loy
Chair, RACGP Victoria

Date: Wednesday 1 July 2020
Time: 7.00–8.30 pm
Venue: Online
Cost: Free
Register now

Date: Sunday 12 July 2020
Time: 10.30 am – 12.30 pm
Venue: Online
Cost: Free
Register now

RACGP Victoria New Fellows Committee continues its casual meet-ups in a virtual setting. Join your colleagues and committee members to discuss, share and provide tips and experience on clinical and other matters.

Module 1: Safer opioid prescribing (online training)

RACGP Victoria offers online training on safer opioid prescribing and opioid dependence for Victorian GPs. This training is a prerequisite for prescribers who want to attend MATOD Module 2.

To complete MATOD Module 1, visit MATOD Module 1.

This education is accredited for four Category 2 continuing professional development points for the 2020–22 triennium.

By registering for this training, you consent to your details being provided to DHHS and Victorian Pharmacotherapy Area Based Networks.

RACGP Victoria continues to deliver high-quality member services, including most recently:

• New Fellows small-group virtual catch-ups
• online Education Activity Representative training
• migration of the Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence (MATOD) module 2 online.

Our recent advocacy and stakeholder engagement activities have included:

• continued joint delivery, with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), of COVID-19 webinar updates, now held fortnightly
• continued input and RACGP representation in the DHHS COVID-19 Primary Care Advisory Group, Clinical Leadership Expert Group COVID-19 and the Safer Care Victoria PPE Taskforce
• support of two expressions of interest submissions for research funding with DHHS on ‘Cohort studies into the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on groups at risk of increased exposure (such as on healthcare workers)’.

RACGP Victoria Council and Committee activities have included:

• postponing the 2020 ‘Brainy women – Medicine and the mind’ conference to June 2021
• seeking GP representation on Medical Panels
• considering the impacts of COVID-19 on medical professionals in the mental health space
• proposing a shared care model for GPs and psychiatrists
• seeking support for mandatory psychiatry rotations as part of GP registrar training
• recognising Dr Maged Ghattas for five years of service as Victorian Assessment Panel Chair
• providing council feedback on a proposed extraordinary general meeting to the Board
• providing council feedback on clinical exam changes and related communications to the Board
• postponing the General Practice in Addiction Conference 2020 conference to August 2021
• facilitating feedback and discussion on proposed MATOD prescriber data sharing
• postponing 2020 ‘Wellness weekend’ to March 2021
• proposing an international medical graduate mentoring program.

Please email vic.faculty@racgp.org.au if you have any questions about RACGP Victoria’s activities.

Kon Kakris
State Manager, RACGP Victoria

The Victorian Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence (MATOD) program will now be offered online via gplearning.

Module 1 covers implementing safe and effective opioid prescribing, and recognising, preventing and responding to problematic opioid abuse.

Module 2 covers recordings of ‘essential knowledge’, interviews with MATOD experts and two live Zoom meetings for you to ask questions.

On completion, you'll be trained and recognised as a prescriber for methadone- and buprenorphine-based assisted treatment of opioid dependence.

For more information, contact Kerrianne Singleton, MATOD Program Coordinator, at vic.matod@racgp.org.au or on 03 8699 0468.

GPCAS is a peer-to-peer advice and mentoring service for Victorian GPs and nurse practitioners managing patients with high-risk prescription medication use identified through SafeScript. GPCAS Clinical Advisors meet with GPs, nurse practitioners and GP clinics to help manage such patients, and is available only to nurse practitioners and GPs in Victoria. Email gpclinicaladvisors@turningpoint.org.au or call DACAS (VIC) on 1800 812 804 to be referred to a GPCAS Clinical Advisor in your local area.

A three-part webinar series titled ‘Business resilience and continuity during COVID-19’ is now available to view on demand. The series aims to support GPs and GP practice owners during the pandemic and is supported by the Commonwealth Bank.

Watch now through the RACGP Digital Events Program.

Doctors and medical students around Australia can access free, confidential telehealth mental health services through the new Drs4Drs Support Service. The service provides crisis support and non-urgent mental health support, and complements the existing network of state-based doctors’ health advisory services.

Doctors’ Health Services Limited has engaged Converge International to deliver the service, deploying mental health professionals experienced in helping people address workplace issues, conflict management, relationship concerns, financial problems, legal matters and lifestyle issues.

Doctors and medical students can access up to three free telehealth counselling sessions by calling 1300 374 377 (1300 DR4 DRS) or visiting www.Drs4Drs.com.au.

For more information, read the media release.