Author: melitaadmin

The gap between the health of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians is still significant.

• Smoking rates are on the decrease, however 2 in 5 Aboriginal people are still smokers
• Reduction in prevalence of ear and hearing problems
• Still seeing high rates of diabetes, asthma, heart and kidney disease.
• Ongoing high levels of alcohol consumption and Mental health problems.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were twice as likely as non indigenous people to have asthma
• In 2012-2013 around 1 in 8 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people had heart disease
• Aboriginal and Torres strait islander people are 3 times as likely as non-indigenous people to have diabetes/high sugar levels
• in 2012-2013 just over 1 in 5 Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people aged 15 years and over said that they had used an illicit substance in the previous year. Marijuana was the most commonly reported illicit drug.
• in 2012-2013 almost 1/3 of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 2-14 years were overweight or obese and 2/3 of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and over were overweight or obese (1.5 times higher than non indigenous people)
• Aboriginal and Torres strait islander people aged 15 years and over were around half as likely as non -indigenous people to have reported excellent or very good health.
• Aboriginal community controlled health services are making a difference in their communities and they need to see continued support from all levels of government
• there are no quick fixes in Aboriginal health. The report shows that we are making some headway but achieving generational change means maintaining the momentum.

[As mailed by RACGP]

The RACGP is a supporter of informed and unbiased public scrutiny of medical issues, with high level critical analysis and balanced debate cultivating community confidence in medicine and the RACGP itself.

The two part ABC Catalyst edition ‘Heart of the Matter’ (aired on 24 and 31 October 2013) expressed unsubstantiated theories on the causation of heart disease, and was selective in the presentation of evidence on the effectiveness of cholesterol therapy.

The Catalyst programme contained a number of misleading statements regarding nutritional claims on co-enzyme Q and heart health, and the claim that statins do not cause reduction in mortality in primary prevention, the latter of which is refuted by Cochrane reviews.

Patient concern has been high since the airing of the programme. In order to address patient safety and concern, the RACGP has distributed a media release requesting patients continue to take any cholesterol-lowering medications as prescribed and to discuss any concerns with their regular GP.

The RACGP supports a multiple risk factor approach to cardiovascular disease prevention, with cholesterol being only one of a number of risk factors that lead to heart disease. It is known that patients with a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are at high risk of further episodes, and will generally have a net benefit from statin and other preventive treatments; patients with no prior history of cardiovascular disease should have a cardiovascular disease risk assessment that will guide preventive therapy decisions.

The RACGP supports the National Vascular Disease Prevention Alliance Guidelines which base treatment decisions on a patients’ absolute cardiovascular risk, with the exception of familial hypercholesterolemia where practitioners should not base treatment decisions on cholesterol levels alone.

The RACGP does however recognise that certain issues raised in the programme are of genuine concern. These include:

• inappropriate usage of statins in low and moderate risk groups
• the need for promotion of non drug interventions (non smoking, exercise, Mediterranean diet) in the management of cardiovascular disease
• the concern of drug company influence on clinical trials, and these companies withholding data from such trials
• doctors with ties to the pharmaceutical industry that have substantial influence in guideline groups, and the need for open disclosure standards
• the role of drug companies influencing prescribing of practitioners
• the dangers of changing ‘disease definitions’, specifically what level of cholesterol is considered ‘abnormal’, that results in more drug use
• over diagnosis becoming a significant issue in health.

It is these issues that are of serious concern and the RACGP believe that these should be considered and debated in the community at large.

Since its formation, the RACGP has been and remains a strong advocate for preventive health and evidence-based medicine. The RACGP urges all GPs to follow guidelines outlined in its Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice (8th edition) (red book) and for patients to see their GP regularly and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Other useful resources include:
National Vascular Disease Prevention Alliance Guidelines
Absolute cardiovascular risk calculator
Cochrane review – Statins for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease
The effects of lowering LDL cholesterol with statin therapy in people at low risk of vascular disease: meta-analysis of individual data from 27 randomised trials

Some more info for you all – a great resource from the Royal Children’s Hospital(RCH) for kids with Asthma:

The RCH have made some high quality family education videos of children using various asthma devices and nasal sprays,
and one on How to care for your spacer.

http://www.rch.org.au/genmed/clinical_resources/Inhaled_medications_for_asthma_and_rhinitis/

On that web page you will also find a short URL (www.sn.im/rch-puffers) that you can give to families to watch the videos at home.

The videos play really well on mobile devices like smartphones and iPads. The parent and child can watch the video on their phone in the room and then bookmark it for future reference. They can then always refresh their memory or show it to other family members, childcare, school etc.

Some other asthma resources that may be helpful are
o    Parent Handout – http://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Asthma/
o    Action plan generator http://ww2.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/forms/asthmaPlan.cfm
o    Asthma devices photoboard http://www.mikesouth.org.au/Asthma_devices/enter_screen.htm

Some awesome news!

GPs are now being able to refer patients (over 16yrs old) for MRIs directly for some new conditions!

Some of the new ones are:

•         MRI brain for unexplained seizures or chronic headache due to expected intracranial pathology (Medicare no. 63551, 63552)

•         MRI cervical spine for trauma or suspected radiculopathy (Medicare no. 63554, 63555, 63557, 63558)

•         MRI knee for trauma with suspected meniscal or ACL tear (Medicare no. 63560, 63561)

A step in the right direction!

Prof Mike South from the Royal Children’s Hospital has created a phone App with the Immunisation schedule that automatically updates!

This is a great FREE product and definitely worth downloading and putting on your phone!

Open this link on your phone: http://www.mikesouth.org.au/immunisation/AUSIMMWELCOME.html

Alternatively – you can scan the QR code and it will direct your phone to download it.

You can have a look here for more resources: http://www.rch.org.au/genmed/clinical_resources/

Thanks guys

Mike Hurley

Here is a cut and paste for your calendar:

CSQTC Annual Conference
16-17 Nov 2013
Brisbane Convention Centre
http://www.csqtc.qld.edu.au/index.php?action=view&view=153384&pid=5440

This will be a chance for GP Registrars to pick up 12 AGPT education hours and keep on top of industry and training news.
It goes without saying that it’s a great chance to catch up and network socially too after a big year.

Dr Mark O’Brien is the keynote speaker. Mark heads up the Cognitive Institute which is an international healthcare education specialist group.
From their website – “to provide education that distils complex issues and challenges into relevant practical training, with simple step-by-step skills models that clinicians can put into practice immediately.”

“practical”
“simple”
“step-by-step”
– sounds good already!

The conference will feature a number of other workshops, paper presentations and discussion groups.

Registration is nil cost for those in the CSQTC network and includes dinner on the Sat night (“Back To The Future” theme and all GP Educator Band!! + special mystery guest Singer)

There is some travel support for rural attendees – check with CSQTC and move early on that if it affects you.

Got a question about the conference? The best point of contact is conference@csqtc.qld.edu.au

Tickets and more info here: http://www.csqtc.qld.edu.au/index.php?action=view&view=153384&pid=5440

Looking forward to seeing you there!

 

PS. Where do you go to get the best coffee close to the Convention Centre? Leave a comment below if you’ve got a crucial insider knowledge.

This will be held Friday 28 february to Friday 7th March 2014. This is an online conference. www.researchweek.com.au or follow twitter hashtag #GPETResearchWK

2014 Academic training terms – application opens 5th August

Have you ever wanted to contribute to the growing evidence to support general practice? Ever wanted to teach medical studies or become involved in the medical school curriculum?
An academic term helps to foster skills in evidence based medicine, medical education and leadership.
Applications for the next round of academic posts open Monday 5th August 2013 and close Friday 30th August 2013. Email academic@gpet.com.au to receive an application form. To find out more visit www.agpt.com.au/trainingposts/academicposts/ or contact Deepthi Iyer on rrado@gpet.com.au

RRIPS Grandparenting arrangements – deadline for claiming final incentive payments.

The General Practice Rural incentives program (GPRIP commenced on 1st July 2010, replacing the Registrars Rural incentive payment scheme (RRIPS). The RRIPS grandparenting arrangements that were in place ended 31 december 2012 (grandparenting arrangements apply to registrars who received payments or who qualified for payments under the previous RRIPS).
RRIPS eligible training units (that commenced before the RRIPS end date) must be signed off before 30th September 2013 5pm AEST. Registrars who do not confirm their training units with GPET prior to the deadline will not have their units paid.
GPET will send you an email request that lists your RRIPS eligible training units and will include sign off instructions. If you have not received an email within one month of completion of the eligible training unit, or if you have any other questions please contact the GPET GPRIP team on 02 6263 6707 or GPRIPAdministrator@gpet.com.au

Win a trip to the AIDA symposium!

For the opportunity to attend the annual Australian Indigenous Doctors Association (AIDA) symposium write in 50 words or less “what does cultural awareness mean to you?”
Each winner will receive – return flights from their closest domestic airport, 3 nights accommodation and registration to the AIDA symposium.
This competition is open to medical students, hospital based doctors and GP registrars.
For more information go to: http://www.gpra.org.au/win-a-trip-and-registration-to-the-2013-aida-symposium

Future Series run by GPRA

The future Series is a successful interactive webinar series that puts registrars in touch with experienced GPs, professions and practice managers who provide first hand knowledge about the business side of general practice.
The 2013 Future Series consists of 10 Webinars that will be held from 26/8/13 for 4-5 weeks. All webinars begin at 8pm AEST. The costs for individuals are $25 per webinar or $70 for a package of any 3 webinars, $100 for any 5 and $120 for 7 webinars, plus GST
The list of topics for the 2013 series:
Finding work: resume, application and interview
Maximising MBS items
Making practice easier: managing your risk using medical software
Bare basics to negotiating your employment agreement
Protecting your reputation
Personally controlled electronic health record (PCeHR)
The great debate to be or not to be a contractor
Telehealth and managing your risk
Doctor shoppers, the law and addiction, prescribing drugs of addiction
Further information will be forthcoming.

Opportunity to be involved:

CSQTC research officer Brett is looking for GPT3 or 4 registrars to complete a survey as part of a GPET nationally funded study. He is desperate for more people and all those involved go into the draw to win a $100 voucher. If you are interested email bkagan@csqtc.qld.edu.au
A medical student in Sydney working with Prof Simon Willcock on research into registrar resiliency needs more participants to take part in the study. If you are interested please email me for further information.

Last 2 Future Series webinars

There are two webinars left for the 2013 Future Series:

Wednesday 9 October – Bare basics to negotiating your employment agreement

Tuesday 15 October – The great debate: to be or not to be a contractor.

Registration is via link below:
http://www.eventbrite.com.au/event/8525178037

A ground breaking Not for Profit survey of thousands of Australian doctors and medical students has revealed they are burnt-out, more likely to experience psychological distress and suicidal thoughts than the general community and are drinking too much alcohol.

Depression Not for Profit, beyondblue’s National Mental Health Survey of Doctors and Medical Students found that medical students and young or female doctors are most at risk and identified that significant levels of stigma towards people with mental health problems.

Some respondents also reported that they were bullied or experienced racism.

beyondblue Chairman Jeff Kennett said the findings revealed the extent of doctors’ and medical students’ suffering and should act as an immediate rallying call for action.

One in five medical students and one in 10 doctors had suicidal thoughts in the past year, compared with one in 45 people in Gain valuable casino game experience in comfort, from home and take advantage of the casinomatrix.net’s flexible gaming options to sharpen your skills and techniques. the wider community, according to the report. More than four in 10 students and a quarter of doctors are highly likely to have a minor psychiatric disorder, like mild depression or mild anxiety

“We conducted this survey because, given doctors and medical students are under immense pressure and deal regularly with pain and death, we know that the mental health of many of them is poor,” he said.

“This survey builds on our previous work in this area and we hope it also serves as a wake-up call to the Australian medical community that more must be done to tackle things such as over-work and discriminatory attitudes.”

Read full article here

GPET research week 2014

This will be held Friday 28 february to Friday 7th March 2014. This is an online conference. www.researchweek.com.au or follow twitter #GPETResearchWK

 

2014 Academic training terms – application opens 5th August

Have you ever wanted to contribute to the growing evidence to support general practice? Ever wanted to teach medical studies or become involved in the medical school curriculum?

An academic term helps to foster skills in evidence based medicine, medical education and leadership.

Applications for the next round of academic posts open Monday 5th August 2013 and close Friday 30th August 2013. Email academic@gpet.com.au to receive an application form. To find out more visit www.agpt.com.au/trainingposts/academicposts/ or contact Deepthi Iyer on rrado@gpet.com.au

 

RRIPS Grandparenting arrangements – deadline for claiming final incentive payments.

The General Practice Rural incentives program (GPRIP commenced on 1st July 2010, replacing the Registrars Rural incentive payment scheme (RRIPS). The RRIPS grandparenting arrangements that were in place ended 31 december 2012 (grandparenting arrangements apply to registrars who received payments or who qualified for payments under the previous RRIPS).

RRIPS eligible training units (that commenced before the RRIPS end date) must be signed off before 30th September 2013 5pm AEST. Registrars who do not confirm their training units with GPET prior to the deadline will not have their units paid.

GPET will send you an email request that lists your RRIPS eligible training units and will include sign off instructions. If you have not received an email within one month of completion  of the eligible training unit, or if you have any other questions please contact the GPET GPRIP team on 02 6263 6707 or GPRIPAdministrator@gpet.com.au

 

Win a trip to the AIDA symposium!

For the opportunity to attend the annual Australian Indigenous Doctors Association (AIDA) symposium write in 50 words or less “what does cultural awareness mean to you?”

Each winner will receive – return flights from their closest domestic airport, 3 nights accommodation and registration to the AIDA symposium.

This competition is open to medical students, hospital based doctors and GP registrars.

For more information go to: http://www.gpra.org.au/win-a-trip-and-registration-to-the-2013-aida-symposium

 

Future Series run by GPRA

The future Series is a successful interactive webinar series that puts registrars in touch with experienced GPs, professions and practice managers who provide first hand knowledge about the business side of general practice.

The 2013 Future Series consists of 10 Webinars that will be held from 26/8/13 for 4-5 weeks. All webinars begin at 8pm AEST. The costs for individuals are $25 per webinar or $70 for a package of any 3 webinars, $100 for any 5 and $120 for 7 webinars, plus GST

The list of topics for the 2013 series:

• Finding work: resume, application and interview

• Maximising MBS items

• Making practice easier: managing your risk using medical software

• Bare basics to negotiating your employment agreement

• Protecting your reputation

• Personally controlled electronic health record (PCeHR)

• The great debate to be or not to be a contractor

• Telehealth and managing your risk

• Doctor shoppers, the law and addiction, prescribing drugs of addiction

Further information will be forthcoming.

 

Opportunity to be involved:

CSQTC research officer Brett is looking for GPT3 or 4 registrars to complete a survey as part of a GPET nationally funded study. He is desperate for more people and all those involved go into the draw to win a $100 voucher. If you are  interested email bkagan@csqtc.qld.edu.au

A medical student in Sydney working with Prof Simon Willcock on research into registrar resiliency needs more participants to take part in the study. If you are interested please email me for further information.