The RACGP NSW&ACT has partnered with the NSW Ministry of Health to better engage GPs with health updates, patient programs and GP education relevant to routine general practice. For any enquiries please email nswact.webinar@racgp.org.au
E-cigarette surveillance and safety in NSW
This podcast is an opportunity for GPs to learn the outcome of two recent studies focused on e-cigarette surveillance commissioned by NSW Health. The University of Wollongong studied the contents of e-cigarettes currently available in NSW and the NSW Poisons Information Centre monitored and investigated accidental e-cigarette poisoning exposures.
Carolyn Murray, Director, Tobacco and E-Cigarettes Strategy at the NSW Ministry of Health will talk to Dr Celine Kelso and Dr Jody Moller, School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience at the University of Wollongong and A/Prof Darren Roberts, Toxicologist from the NSW Poisons Information Centre about their studies.
Resources:
The facts about vaping - Tobacco and smoking (nsw.gov.au) https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/vaping.aspx.
The Vaping Toolkit has evidence-based, practical resources on vaping for young people, health professionals, teachers, parents and carers.
Guide to Support Young People to Quit E-Cigarettes - Tobacco and smoking (nsw.gov.au)
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/e-cigarette-young-people-guide.aspx
Supports health professionals to effectively address e-cigarette use, support young people to manage nicotine withdrawals, and assist young people in quitting e-cigarettes.
NSW E-Cigarette Analysis Project - Summary Report - Tobacco and smoking
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/e-cigarette-analysis-project-summary-report.aspx
This project undertook e-cigarette liquid sample analyses by carrying out gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis of 750 samples of e-liquids extracted from devices seized or confiscated in NSW.
E-cigarette Child Safety Pamphlet - Tobacco and smoking (nsw.gov.au)
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/e-cigarette-child-safety.aspx
Advice to parents and families about the importance of child safety around e-cigarettes and highlights the risk of nicotine poisoning in children.
NSW Poisons Information Centre can be contacted on 13 1126
https://www.poisonsinfo.nsw.gov.au/
1/31/2024 • 35 minutes, 21 seconds
Responding to non-fatal strangulation – what you cannot see
Non-Fatal Strangulation can occur as a result of misadventure or injury, but can also occur in the context of domestic and family violence, self-harm, sexual assault, child abuse and neglect or assault by a non-family member. These specific contexts will result in important psychosocial considerations during assessment and management.
This podcast will offer clinical support for GP’s managing adult and paediatric patients who present with NFS in the context of violence and abuse. It aims to improve patient care by increasing GP’s awareness of the potential risks and injuries resulting from NFS; by outlining appropriate assessment and management or care coordination of an episode of NFS; and the importance of follow up for people who have experienced NFS who are a population at high risk of poor outcomes.
7/30/2023 • 40 minutes, 33 seconds
STI & HIV Care for Transgender People in General Practice
The Gender Centre
https://gendercentre.org.au/
The Gender Centre is committed to developing and providing services and activities, which enhance the ability of transgender, gender diverse and gender exploring people make informed choices. The Centre is recognised as a centre of excellence in NSW through an ASES Award Accreditation, (Australian Service Excellence Standards) and nationally in the delivery of front line specialist multi-purpose services aimed at supporting the transgender, gender diverse and gender questioning community across all stages of transition (pre- mid and post transition).
The service offers support from staff with highly specialised qualifications, skills, experience and capabilities. Allowing the team to respond to the unique needs of this client group through the provision of specialist counselling, psychological and other allied health services, outreach support, case-management, family and youth support, homelessness prevention and intervention services, and referrals to help people navigate the health care system in a safe and culturally competent space. The Gender Centre also undertakes advocacy work, resource development, stakeholder training and corporate education. We also operate as a secondary needle & syringe program (NSP) outlet
TransHub
A digital information and resource platform for all trans and gender diverse people in NSW, loved ones, allies, and health providers.
https://www.transhub.org.au/
Maple Leaf House - Transgender & Gender Diversity (under 25)
Provides multi-disciplinary healthcare to trans and gender diverse young people up to the age of 25 years in rural and regional areas of NSW.
A GP referral is required.
For further information Health care workers can refer to: https://www.hnekidshealth.nsw.gov.au/specialist_services/gender
Australian STI management guidelines for use in Primary Care
the Guidelines are an online resource for primary care health professionals. They provide concise information to support the prevention, testing, diagnosis, management and treatment of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) for adults and adolescents
https://sti.guidelines.org.au/populations-and-situations/trans-and-gender-diverse-people/
NSW Sexual Health Clinics
Find your local clinic for support and referral here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/sexualhealth/Pages/sexual-health-clinics.aspx
Equinox (online GP led and focused resources – Melbourne based)
https://equinox.org.au/resources/
t150 (Surry Hills, Sydney)
http://thealbioncentre.org.au/clinical-services/t150/
Self-collected STI specimens poster and other resources
https://stipu.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/DIY-sheet-2020.pdf
https://stipu.nsw.gov.au/gp/hiv-and-sti-clinical-management/
ASHM Decision making in PrEP tool
https://ashm.org.au/resources/decision-making-in-prep/
7/18/2023 • 52 minutes, 33 seconds
Stigma and Discrimination: Episode 3
Stigma and discrimination faced by people with lived or living experience of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) can create barriers for people seeking care and can result in people seeking services only when their physical and psychological needs are acute or avoiding services altogether. On the other hand, respectful relationships between patient and healthcare providers can improve communication and lead to better therapeutic relationships and health outcomes for patients. General practitioners play a pivotal role in supporting access to care but also in supporting healthy lifestyles.
This podcast aims to raise awareness of the impact of stigma and discrimination and to give General Practitioners the opportunity to reflect on attitudes and behaviours that may impact patients with a lived experience of AOD use. It also touches on the implementation of SafeScript NSW and using this opportunity to engage with patients about their care and support needs.
It is an insightful discussion in a three-part series between a GP, Dr James Ibrahim, the CEO of NSW Users and AIDS Association, Dr Mary Harrod together and three consumers – Frannie, Kevin and Anna, who have generously shared their stories and experience.
• Episode 1: Dr Ibrahim, Dr Harrod and Frannie discuss stigma and discrimination and the importance of language in patient interactions
• Episode 2: Dr Ibrahim, Dr Harrod and Kevin discuss the patient experience of stigma and discrimination and how it affects patient care and outcomes
• Episode 3:Dr Ibrahim, Dr Harrod and Anna discuss SafeScript – how to approach the conversation with patients and use the opportunity for broader discussions about patient care
Resources:
Language Matters Resource (www.nada.org.au/resources/language-matters/) provides workers with best-practice guidelines on how to use language to empower patients and reinforce a person-centred approach.
SafeScript NSW (www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/health-p…itioners provides prescribers and pharmacists with real-time information about a patient’s prescribing and dispensing history for certain high-risk medicines such as opioids and benzodiazepines to improve clinical decision making and patient safety.
6/26/2023 • 19 minutes, 51 seconds
Stigma and Discrimination: Episode 2
Stigma and discrimination faced by people with lived or living experience of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) can create barriers for people seeking care and can result in people seeking services only when their physical and psychological needs are acute or avoiding services altogether. On the other hand, respectful relationships between patient and healthcare providers can improve communication and lead to better therapeutic relationships and health outcomes for patients. General practitioners play a pivotal role in supporting access to care but also in supporting healthy lifestyles.
This podcast aims to raise awareness of the impact of stigma and discrimination and to give General Practitioners the opportunity to reflect on attitudes and behaviours that may impact patients with a lived experience of AOD use. It also touches on the implementation of SafeScript NSW and using this opportunity to engage with patients about their care and support needs.
It is an insightful discussion in a three-part series between a GP, Dr James Ibrahim, the CEO of NSW Users and AIDS Association, Dr Mary Harrod together and three consumers – Frannie, Kevin and Anna, who have generously shared their stories and experience.
• Episode 1: Dr Ibrahim, Dr Harrod and Frannie discuss stigma and discrimination and the importance of language in patient interactions
• Episode 2: Dr Ibrahim, Dr Harrod and Kevin discuss the patient experience of stigma and discrimination and how it affects patient care and outcomes
• Episode 3:Dr Ibrahim, Dr Harrod and Anna discuss SafeScript – how to approach the conversation with patients and use the opportunity for broader discussions about patient care
Resources:
Language Matters Resource (www.nada.org.au/resources/language-matters/) provides workers with best-practice guidelines on how to use language to empower patients and reinforce a person-centred approach.
SafeScript NSW (www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/health-p…itioners provides prescribers and pharmacists with real-time information about a patient’s prescribing and dispensing history for certain high-risk medicines such as opioids and benzodiazepines to improve clinical decision making and patient safety.
6/26/2023 • 20 minutes, 37 seconds
Stigma and Discrimination: Episode 1
Stigma and discrimination faced by people with lived or living experience of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) can create barriers for people seeking care and can result in people seeking services only when their physical and psychological needs are acute or avoiding services altogether. On the other hand, respectful relationships between patient and healthcare providers can improve communication and lead to better therapeutic relationships and health outcomes for patients. General practitioners play a pivotal role in supporting access to care but also in supporting healthy lifestyles.
This podcast aims to raise awareness of the impact of stigma and discrimination and to give General Practitioners the opportunity to reflect on attitudes and behaviours that may impact patients with a lived experience of AOD use. It also touches on the implementation of SafeScript NSW and using this opportunity to engage with patients about their care and support needs.
It is an insightful discussion in a three-part series between a GP, Dr James Ibrahim, the CEO of NSW Users and AIDS Association, Dr Mary Harrod together and three consumers – Frannie, Kevin and Anna, who have generously shared their stories and experience.
• Episode 1: Dr Ibrahim, Dr Harrod and Frannie discuss stigma and discrimination and the importance of language in patient interactions
• Episode 2: Dr Ibrahim, Dr Harrod and Kevin discuss the patient experience of stigma and discrimination and how it affects patient care and outcomes
• Episode 3:Dr Ibrahim, Dr Harrod and Anna discuss SafeScript – how to approach the conversation with patients and use the opportunity for broader discussions about patient care
Resources:
Language Matters Resource (www.nada.org.au/resources/language-matters/) provides workers with best-practice guidelines on how to use language to empower patients and reinforce a person-centred approach.
SafeScript NSW (www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/health-p…itioners provides prescribers and pharmacists with real-time information about a patient’s prescribing and dispensing history for certain high-risk medicines such as opioids and benzodiazepines to improve clinical decision making and patient safety.
6/26/2023 • 20 minutes, 53 seconds
Hepatitis B in General Practice (vaccination, testing, treatment, and monitoring)
Listen to General Practitioner, Dr Caran Cheung, and Staff Specialist, Simone Strasser, talk about the important role of GPs in Hepatitis B vaccination, testing, treatment, and monitoring. This podcast discusses how to effectively engage with communities at high-risk of Hepatitis B, and the appropriate care pathway. The podcast identifies who is at-risk and how to respond in primary care settings, including diagnosis, treatment, and routine monitoring. Early diagnosis plays a vital role in reducing the burden of Hepatitis B, and GPs are encouraged to undertake opportunistic Hepatitis B testing with at-risk communities.
Resources and services mentioned in this podcast and useful links:
• Commonwealth and NSW-funded free Hepatitis B Vaccines: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/gp_catchup.aspx
• ASHM ‘How to become and s100 prescriber’: https://ashm.org.au/hiv/hiv-prescriber-programs/how-to-become-hiv-prescriber/
• HBV s100 prescriber course in the tools: https://www.ashm.org.au/hbv/hbv-prescriber-programs/how-to-become-a-hepatitis-b-s100-prescriber/
• Healthpathways: https://cesphn.org.au/general-practice/healthpathways
• Liver Foundation: https://liver.org.au/
• Gastroenterological Society of Australia: https://www.gesa.org.au/
• ASHM Training - Culturally responsive care and Hepatitis B: https://ashm.org.au/training_cat/culturally-responsive-care-and-hepatitis-b-nsw/
Tools:
• CESPHN templates for health professionals: https://cesphn.org.au/general-practice/practice-support-and-development/templates
• ASHM Decision-making in Hepatitis B chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://ashm.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ASHM_Decision-Making-in-Hepatitis-B-Toolkit-Update_Nov.pdf
• ASHM Reach-B Form: https://reach-b.ashm.org.au/further-information-on-reach-b/ This form is designed for s100 prescribers, not for community members or general clinicians. If you are not a prescriber and have a question for ASHM, please contact HBVPrescriber@ashm.org.au
• Free, interactive and user-friendly drug interaction chart, University of Liverpool: https://hepatology-druginteractions.org/
5/30/2023 • 56 minutes, 41 seconds
E-cigarettes (vaping) and young people
Vaping, or e-cigarette use, is increasing across Australia along with the potential for long-term nicotine addiction. GPs are well placed to identify patients who are vaping and smoking, and to assess nicotine addiction as well as the other harms associated with use.
This podcast will explore the evolving landscape of e-cigarettes as well as provide practical tips on managing nicotine addiction. It will also address ways to raise the issue of vaping in a non-judgemental way and resources and services available to GPs for continuity of cessation care and support.
Resources:
• Evidence based approaches to quit nicotine webinar (Oct 2022) - racgp.org.au/racgp-digital-events-calendar/online-event-content/evidence-based-approaches-to-quit-nicotine
• ‘Do you know what you’re vaping?’ Information for Health Professionals, has a range of resources including posters, fact sheets and social media tiles - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/pages/vaping-professionals.aspx
• Tools for Health Professionals, includes links to the RACGP supporting smoking cessation: a guide for health professionals - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/tools-for-health-professionals.aspx
• KidsQuit - https://kidshealth.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/kidsquit-brief-interventions-smoking-cessation-e-learning
• Quitline - https://www.quit.org.au/
5/29/2023 • 35 minutes, 44 seconds
Having conversations about alcohol and other drug issues with families
Listen to Dr Suzie Hudson and Dr Hester Wilson (GP & addiction medicine specialist) talk about how GPs can help families with support and facts on alcohol and drugs if they are concerned about a loved one’s problematic use. Also, the need for the family to prioritise their own wellbeing and understand how important family involvement is in treating someone who is having substance use issues.
Resources and services mentioned in this podcast and useful links:
• The NSW Health Your Room website (yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/) has general information about alcohol and other drugs and support services. The For Families (https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/families) pages on Your Room has information about navigating the system, self-care and wellbeing and how to talk about alcohol and other drugs with a loved one.
• The Drug & Alcohol Specialist Advisory Service is a free 24/7 telephone service that provides general advice to health professionals who may require assistance with the clinical diagnosis and management of patients with alcohol and other drug related concerns.
Within Sydney Metropolitan Area: (02) 8382-1006, Regional, Rural & Remote NSW: 1800 023 687
• Support service - Family Drug Support (https://www.fds.org.au/)
• Publication - Language matters is a guide for using non stigmatising language (https://nada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/language_matters_-_online_-_final.pdf)
• Publication - Aggression, alcohol and drug use in the home - Support guide for adults (https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/publications/Pages/Aggression-alcohol-and-drug-use-in-the-home-support-guide-for-adults.aspx)
• Journal article written by Dr Wilson - How stigmatising language affects people in Australia who use tobacco, alcohol and other drugs (https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2020/march/how-stigmatising-language-affects-people-in-austra/)
4/24/2023 • 34 minutes, 29 seconds
HIV Prevention in General Practice (PrEP, PEP, condoms, testing and treatment)
Many patients at risk of HIV (e.g., men who have sex with men or those how travel to high HIV prevalence countries) regularly attend General Practice for a broad range of health conditions which gives GP unique opportunities to prevent transmission in the community.
This podcast features two GPs Dr Michael Burke and Dr Miriam Grotowski and a community representative Jimmy Yu Hsiang Chen to inform GPs when and how to offer testing, PrEP, PEP for HIV utilising evidence-based guidelines and extensive practice experience. Assessing HIV risk part of sexual health prevention activities detailed in the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice. 9th edn, updated. East Melbourne, Vic: RACGP, 2018. (last update 08-12-2021).
The panelists discuss:
• How to recognise at-risk patient groups for HIV/STI testing
• Identify challenges and solutions for discussing and providing HIV prevention in General Practice
• What tailored GP tools and resources can make HIV prevention in General Practice faster and easier.
Helpful links:
Sexual Health Infolink (SHIL)
https://www.shil.nsw.gov.au/
SHIL’s aim is to promote the sexual health of the NSW community through providing accurate and timely information and referral options. The service specialises in HIV and STI risk assessment, testing, treatment and support. SHIL also provide specialist support to nurses, doctors, counsellors and other professionals who are caring for people with sexual health problems and are open from 9:00am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
ASHM Decision Making in PrEP tool
https://www.ashm.org.au/resources/decision-making-in-prep/
This 2-page Decision Making in PrEP tool provides a prescribing pathway which summarises the key eligibility and recommended assessment for primary care providers in Australia who wish to prescribe PrEP and the ongoing patient education and monitoring requirements.
NSW Sexual Health Clinics finder:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/sexualhealth/Pages/sexual-health-clinics.aspx
RACGP On-demand webinar PrEP webinar
https://www.racgp.org.au/racgp-digital-events-calendar/online-event-items/on-demand/prep-prescribing-for-gps
This 1 hour CDP endorsed webinar teaches the 5 steps all GPs can use to use quickly, safely and easily to prevent HIV infection.
Australian STI Management Guidelines for Use in Primary Care https://sti.guidelines.org.au/
The Guidelines are an online resource for primary care health professionals. They provide concise information to support the prevention, testing, diagnosis, management and treatment of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) for adults and adolescents and are frequently cited and referenced by other guidelines.
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)– Free to GPs
https://www.tisnational.gov.au/
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is an interpreting service provided by the Department of Home Affairs for people who do not speak English. The TIS National immediate phone interpreting service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year for the cost of a local call for any person or organisation in Australia who needs an interpreter just call 131 450.
4/17/2023 • 40 minutes, 42 seconds
Cancer and exercise - Part ONE
Support patients throughout their Cancer journey. Evidence supports exercise as a safe and effective intervention to counter many adverse physical and psychological effects of cancer and its treatment.
Learn more about the important role of exercise in cancer recovery. Refer your patients to receive support from health coaches including accredited exercise physiologists, at the Get Healthy Service.
Resources:
Get Health Information & Coaching Service - https://www.gethealthynsw.com.au/
COSA Exercise Position Statement - https://www.cosa.org.au/media/0hhhmfnm/cosa-position-statement-v3-dec2020-web-final.pdf
Cancer Council Exercise videos - https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/living-well/exercise-cancer/all-exercise-videos/
Cancer Council Exercise Booklet - https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/UC-Pub-CAN4152-Exercise-01-52pp.pdf
3/30/2023 • 35 minutes
Cancer and exercise - Part TWO
Support patients throughout their Cancer journey. Evidence supports exercise as a safe and effective intervention to counter many adverse physical and psychological effects of cancer and its treatment.
Learn more about the important role of exercise in cancer recovery. Refer your patients to receive support from health coaches including accredited exercise physiologists, at the Get Healthy Service.
Resources:
Get Health Information & Coaching Service - https://www.gethealthynsw.com.au/
COSA Exercise Position Statement - https://www.cosa.org.au/media/0hhhmfnm/cosa-position-statement-v3-dec2020-web-final.pdf
Cancer Council Exercise videos - https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/living-well/exercise-cancer/all-exercise-videos/
Cancer Council Exercise Booklet - https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/UC-Pub-CAN4152-Exercise-01-52pp.pdf
3/30/2023 • 19 minutes, 33 seconds
Withdrawal Guidance from alcohol and other drugs within a GP setting
Withdrawal management is an important component of an alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment system. With General Practitioners having good rapport with their patients and being integrated into their community, they play a vital role in discussing and managing withdrawal treatment options for those who present with lived experience of alcohol and other drugs.
This podcast aims to inform clinicians on how to identify, support and refer patients who may need withdrawal management from alcohol and other drugs. It also touches on how to talk to patients about withdrawal management and engaging them in options outside of withdrawal treatment. It is an evidence based insightful discussion between a GP staff specialist, Dr Robert Page, and the Chief Addiction Medicine Specialist at the Centre for Alcohol and other Drugs, Dr Deborah Zador.
Resources:
Management of withdrawal from Alcohol and Other Drugs – Clinical Guidance – https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aod/professionals/Publications/clinical-guidance-withdrawal-alcohol-and-other-drugs.pdf
Management of withdrawal from Alcohol and Other Drugs – Handbook –
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aod/professionals/Publications/handbook%20managing%20withdrawal%20alcohol%20and%20other%20drugs.pdf
Evidence Check Management of withdrawal from Alcohol and Other Drugs – https://www.saxinstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/20.08_Evidence-Check_Management-of-withdrawal-from-alcohol-and-other-drugs.pdf
Withdrawal management and residential rehabilitation services – https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aod/Pages/wmrs-contact.aspx
Take home naloxone program – https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aod/programs/Pages/naloxone.aspx
The Drug and Alcohol Specialist Advisory Service (DASAS) – https://www.dacas.org.au/
Screening forms for substance use – https://www.sbirt.care/tools.aspx
RACGP resources to assist GPs managing patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal as an outpatient –
https://www.racgp.org.au/education/professional-development/online-learning/webinars/drugs-and-alcohol/a-practical-guide-to-alcohol-home-detox-for-gp%E2%80%99s
Nicotine withdrawal from NSW Health has separate Guidelines for managing tobacco cessation –
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/managing-nicotine-dependence.aspx
3/19/2023 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 55 seconds
Seeking help for gambling harm 2/2
Gambling can have significant impacts on health and wellbeing. It can cause significant financial, health, relationship, education and employment, and social and psychological harm. It is estimated that for every person experiencing problems with gambling, six other people are affected.
In this podcast Dr Hester Wilson, GP and Addiction Specialist, and Dr Kate Fennessy, Senior Clinical Psychologist, discuss gambling harm and help seeking with Paul, a person with a lived experience of gambling harm.
Resources:
GPs can encourage patients to visit the GambleAware website www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 858 858.
GPs can also make a warm referral by contacting a Gamble Aware service directly (patient consent is required) - www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/i-need-supp…ort-near-me
Brief biosocial gambling screen www.icrg.org/resources/brief-bi…al-gambling-screen
2/13/2023 • 41 minutes, 46 seconds
Safescript NSW - What’s next for SafeScript NSW podcast 4/4
Listen to this podcast to hear Andrew Hargreaves, in conversation with Dr Hester Wilson (GP and addiction specialist) and Dr Chris Hayes (pain specialist) discussing what is SafeScript NSW and how the system works. They will also share their experience using SafeScript NSW and how it has supported their clinical decision making.
Links to the resources and services discussed in their podcast:
SafeScript NSW (https://www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/health-practitioners) provides prescribers and pharmacists with real-time information about a patient’s prescribing and dispensing history for certain high-risk medicines such as opioids and benzodiazepines to improve clinical decision making and patient safety.
Registering (https://register.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/) for SafeScript NSW is simple and takes about five minutes. Once registered, health practitioners can enable their integrated clinical software to support SafeScript NSW.
A number of clinical tools are available to support general practitioners to use SafeScript NSW. These include:
SafeScript NSW Clinical Advice Line (https://www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/health-practitioners/clinical-support/clinical-advice-line) 1800 434 155 offering free 24/7 clinical advice staffed by experienced Clinical Advisors
SafeScript NSW eLearning modules (https://www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/health-practitioners/clinical-support/education-and-training)
SafeScript NSW HealthPathways (https://www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/health-practitioners/clinical-support/healthpathways)
For more information about SafeScript NSW, please visit http://www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au
1/18/2023 • 8 minutes, 15 seconds
Safescript NSW - Dr Wilson and Dr Hayes share their experience of using SafeScript NSW podcast 3/4
Listen to this podcast to hear Andrew Hargreaves, in conversation with Dr Hester Wilson (GP and addiction specialist) and Dr Chris Hayes (pain specialist) discussing what is SafeScript NSW and how the system works. They will also share their experience using SafeScript NSW and how it has supported their clinical decision making.
Links to the resources and services discussed in their podcast:
SafeScript NSW (https://www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/health-practitioners) provides prescribers and pharmacists with real-time information about a patient’s prescribing and dispensing history for certain high-risk medicines such as opioids and benzodiazepines to improve clinical decision making and patient safety.
Registering (https://register.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/) for SafeScript NSW is simple and takes about five minutes. Once registered, health practitioners can enable their integrated clinical software to support SafeScript NSW.
A number of clinical tools are available to support general practitioners to use SafeScript NSW. These include:
SafeScript NSW Clinical Advice Line (https://www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/health-practitioners/clinical-support/clinical-advice-line) 1800 434 155 offering free 24/7 clinical advice staffed by experienced Clinical Advisors
SafeScript NSW eLearning modules (https://www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/health-practitioners/clinical-support/education-and-training)
SafeScript NSW HealthPathways (https://www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/health-practitioners/clinical-support/healthpathways)
For more information about SafeScript NSW, please visit http://www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au
1/18/2023 • 17 minutes, 24 seconds
Safescript NSW - What should I do if I receive a red alert podcast 2/4
Listen to this podcast to hear Andrew Hargreaves, in conversation with Dr Hester Wilson (GP and addiction specialist) and Dr Chris Hayes (pain specialist) discussing what is SafeScript NSW and how the system works. They will also share their experience using SafeScript NSW and how it has supported their clinical decision making.
Links to the resources and services discussed in their podcast:
SafeScript NSW (https://www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/health-practitioners) provides prescribers and pharmacists with real-time information about a patient’s prescribing and dispensing history for certain high-risk medicines such as opioids and benzodiazepines to improve clinical decision making and patient safety.
Registering (https://register.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/) for SafeScript NSW is simple and takes about five minutes. Once registered, health practitioners can enable their integrated clinical software to support SafeScript NSW.
A number of clinical tools are available to support general practitioners to use SafeScript NSW. These include:
SafeScript NSW Clinical Advice Line (https://www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/health-practitioners/clinical-support/clinical-advice-line) 1800 434 155 offering free 24/7 clinical advice staffed by experienced Clinical Advisors
SafeScript NSW eLearning modules (https://www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/health-practitioners/clinical-support/education-and-training)
SafeScript NSW HealthPathways (https://www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/health-practitioners/clinical-support/healthpathways)
For more information about SafeScript NSW, please visit http://www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au
1/18/2023 • 12 minutes, 30 seconds
Safescript NSW - What is SafeScript NSW & why use SafeScript NSW Podcast 1/4
Listen to this podcast to hear Andrew Hargreaves, in conversation with Dr Hester Wilson (GP and addiction specialist) and Dr Chris Hayes (pain specialist) discussing what is SafeScript NSW and how the system works. They will also share their experience using SafeScript NSW and how it has supported their clinical decision making.
Links to the resources and services discussed in their podcast:
SafeScript NSW (https://www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/health-practitioners) provides prescribers and pharmacists with real-time information about a patient’s prescribing and dispensing history for certain high-risk medicines such as opioids and benzodiazepines to improve clinical decision making and patient safety.
Registering (https://register.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/) for SafeScript NSW is simple and takes about five minutes. Once registered, health practitioners can enable their integrated clinical software to support SafeScript NSW.
A number of clinical tools are available to support general practitioners to use SafeScript NSW. These include:
SafeScript NSW Clinical Advice Line (https://www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/health-practitioners/clinical-support/clinical-advice-line) 1800 434 155 offering free 24/7 clinical advice staffed by experienced Clinical Advisors
SafeScript NSW eLearning modules (https://www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/health-practitioners/clinical-support/education-and-training)
SafeScript NSW HealthPathways (https://www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/health-practitioners/clinical-support/healthpathways)
For more information about SafeScript NSW, please visit http://www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au
1/18/2023 • 13 minutes, 35 seconds
Alcohol & Other Drugs - Starting the conversation around substance use - podcast 1/2
Listen to this podcast to hear Dr Suzie Hudson talk to Dr Esther Han(GP and addiction medicine specialist} about having conversations with young people, their prescribed drugs and the interaction when mixing them with alcohol or other illicit or non-prescribed drugs e.g. alcohol, antidepressants, MDMA and antianxiety drugs. They will discuss how to initiate a conversation about drug use, using non stigmatising language, the potential harm associated with mixing different drugs and alcohol and how to access youth services.
Links to the resources and services discussed in this podcast:
The NSW Health Your Room website (https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/) has general information about alcohol and other drugs and support services. The Stay OK pages (https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/getting-help/Pages/Stay-OK.aspx) on Your Room have harm reduction information for people attending music festivals.
Drug & Alcohol Specialist Advisory Service is a free 24/7 telephone service that provides general advice to health professionals who may require assistance with the clinical diagnosis and management of patients with alcohol and other drug related concerns.
Within Sydney Metropolitan Area: (02) 8382-1006, Regional, Rural & Remote NSW: 1800 023 687
Queensland NADA (https://qnada.org.au/harm-reduction-information-health-professionals/) have a range of factsheets which describe some of the interactions between a range of psychoactive substances and commonly prescribed mental health medications. The information provided in these resources is general only.
11/28/2022 • 31 minutes, 55 seconds
Addressing video gaming and gambling in young people 1/2
Listen to this podcast to learn about the role of GP’s in identifying and assessing young people with video gaming addictions, and having meaningful conversations with family members/carers/guardians to support them in addressing this issue.
11/11/2022 • 20 minutes, 18 seconds
Hepatitis C discussion – tips and resources to comfortably manage hepatitis C – podcast 3/3
This podcast discusses care for a patient who is clinically appropriate for hepatitis C testing. You’ll learn approaches to patient engagement, clinical skills and practice tips and resources to care for this patient. With the elimination of hepatitis C now an achievable goal in NSW, your role as a GP in testing, diagnosis and treatment has never been so important.
This podcast follows on from the first podcast in the series where a GP, sexual health specialist, nurse practitioner and patient advocates discussing approaches to conversations with patients about STIs and blood-borne viruses.
Listening notes:
• Podcast 3 has the same introduction as podcast 1 & 2 – suggest skipping and starting at 05:58 if you have previously heard.
• The volume of panellist Dr Kym Collins is low – suggest raising volume
Podcast resources:
ASHM – Decision Making in Hepatitis C - https://ashm.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2021ASHM-Decision-making-in-hepatitis-C_.pdf
NSW STI Programs Unit – NSW Health (collection of STI resources for GPs and patients) - https://stipu.nsw.gov.au/gp/
HCV GP Management Plan – ASHM - https://ashm.org.au/resources/ashm-hcv-gpmp-march-2021/
Communicare User Manual – Viral Hepatitis - https://ashm.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Resource_Communicare_User_Manual_Low_Res_18MB.pdf
Eliminate Hepatitis C Australia – practice support toolkits - https://ecpartnership.org.au/toolkit#act_ec_practice_support_toolkit
Dried Blood Spot – HCV and HIV testing service - https://www.dbstest.health.nsw.gov.au/
ACON Alcohol and other Drugs programs - https://www.acon.org.au/what-we-are-here-for/alcohol-drugs/ (including Pivot Point - https://pivotpoint.org.au/)
NUAA (NSW Users and AIDS Association) - https://nuaa.org.au/
Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service – NSW Health - http://www.mhahs.org.au/
NSW Sexual Health Infolink - https://www.shil.nsw.gov.au/
Hepatitis NSW - https://www.hep.org.au/
10/31/2022 • 29 minutes, 28 seconds
Syphilis discussion – tips & resources to comfortably manage syphilis among patients – podcast 2/3
This podcast discusses care for a patient diagnosed with syphilis. You’ll learn approaches to patient engagement (from a GP and patient advocates’ perspectives), clinical and practice tips (particularly for engaging young people and LGBTQIA+ patients) and the resources you’ll need to care for this patient. With syphilis on the rise among the general population in NSW, this podcast equips GPs for the important role you play in preventing infection among your patients and community.
This podcast follows on from the first podcast in the series where a GP, sexual health specialist, nurse practitioner and patient advocates discussing approaches to conversations with patients about STIs and blood-borne viruses.
Listening notes:
• Podcast 2 has the same introduction as podcast 1 – suggest skipping and starting at: 05:40 if you have previously heard.
• The volume of panellist Dr Kym Collins is low – suggest raising volume
Podcast resources:
NSW Sexual Health Infolink - https://www.shil.nsw.gov.au/
NSW Sexual Health Clinics - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/sexualhealth/pages/sexual-health-clinics.aspx
STI HIV Testing Tool - NSW Health - http://www.stipu.nsw.gov.au/sti-hiv-testing-tool
ASHM - Decision Making in Syphilis - https://ashm.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/FINALSCREENDecision-makinginsyphilis_V2.2_Nov21-1.pdf
Australian STI Management Guidelines - https://sti.guidelines.org.au/
Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) - https://www.ashm.org.au/resources/
Let Them Know - https://letthemknow.org.au/
Melbourne Sexual Health Centre - https://www.mshc.org.au/
10/31/2022 • 18 minutes, 26 seconds
Tips and resources to comfortably talk sex, STIs and blood-borne viruses - podcast 1/3
This podcast features a GP, sexual health specialist, nurse practitioner and patient advocates discussing simple approaches to having conversations with patients about STIs and blood-borne viruses (BBVs). With some STIs on the rise in NSW, you’ll learn about the latest trends, who’s at risk and practical ways to improve patient care to prevent STI and BBV infection among your patients and local community.
The panellists discuss:
• What can help GPs to build confidence
• What patients want GPs to know and do
• The best available tools and resources
• Strategies for working with young people and LGBTQIA+ patients
Listening notes:
• The volume of panellist Dr Kym Collins is low – suggest raising volume
Podcast resources:
STI HIV Testing Tool - NSW Health - http://www.stipu.nsw.gov.au/sti-hiv-testing-tool
ASHM – Decision Making in Hepatitis B - https://ashm.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/ASHM-Decision-Making-in-Hepatitis-B-2021-update-2.pdf
ASHM – Decision Making in Hepatitis C - https://ashm.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2021ASHM-Decision-making-in-hepatitis-C_.pdf
Australian STI Management Guidelines - https://sti.guidelines.org.au/
NSW Sexual Health Infolink - https://www.shil.nsw.gov.au/
NSW Sexual Health Clinics - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/sexualhealth/pages/sexual-health-clinics.aspx
Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) - https://www.ashm.org.au/resources/
ACON - https://www.acon.org.au/
Welcome Here (inclusivity project for LGBTIQ people)- https://www.welcomehere.org.au/about
TransHub - https://www.transhub.org.au/clinicians
Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service – NSW Health - http://www.mhahs.org.au/
Hepatitis NSW - resources - https://www.hep.org.au/resources/free-hepatitis-resources/
Eliminate Hepatitis C Australia – practice support toolkits - https://ecpartnership.org.au/toolkit#act_ec_practice_support_toolkit
10/31/2022 • 44 minutes, 21 seconds
Documentation in management of domestic and family violence
Dr Jane Brabin talks to Dr Ellie Freedman and Dr Kathy Kramer about the role of good documentation in management of domestic and family violence.
Resources:
A comprehensive safety plan:
Western Integrated Family Violence Partnership - My Safety Plan: https://whwest.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Safety_Plan2.pdf
State-based DFV risk assessment and management frameworks:
• NSW – Domestic violence safety assessment tool (DVSAT) - https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/41873/Domestic-Violence-Safety-and-Assessment-Tool-DVSAT.pdf
• VIC - Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework (MARAM) - https://www.vic.gov.au/family-violence-multi-agency-risk-assessment-and-management
• QLD - Domestic and family violence common risk and safety framework - https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/domestic-and-family-violence-prevention/resource/c927ea9b-6973-4912-966e-dc11d1d46a67
• SA - Family safety framework, Practice Manual - https://officeforwomen.sa.gov.au/documents/family-safety-portal/Family-Safety-Framework-Manual.pdf
• NT - Domestic and Family violence risk assessment and management framework - https://tfhc.nt.gov.au/domestic,-family-and-sexual-violence-reduction/ramf
• WA: Western Australian family and domestic violence common risk assessment and risk management framework - https://www.wa.gov.au/system/files/2021-10/CRARMF.pdf
• National risk assessment principles for domestic and family violence - Toivonen C, Backhouse C. 2018. - https://www.anrows.org.au/research-program/national-risk-assessment-principles/
8/17/2022 • 54 minutes, 14 seconds
Performance and image enhancing drug use in the community
Dr Suzie Hudson talks to Dr Esther Han and Dr Katinka van de Ven about the work they have done on Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs (PIEDs). They will discuss prevalence, reasons why people use non-prescribed PIEDs, how they can present in general practice and how to assess and manage a patient who is using PIEDs.
Resources:
• GP Guide to harm minimisation for patients using non-prescribed anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and other performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs): https://www.snhn.net/steroid-harm-minimisation/
• Your Community Health – Steroid Education: https://www.yourch.org.au/our-services/alcohol-other-drug/steroid-education/
• Human Enhancement Drugs Network – Educational page: https://humanenhancementdrugs.com/education-and-training/
Dr Esther Han BMedSci MBBS DCH FRACGP (Subject matter expert)
Staff Specialist, Drug & Alcohol Services, Royal North Shore Hospital
Dr. Katinka van de Ven (Subject matter expert)
Senior Lecturer, Centre for Rural Criminology, UNE
Visiting Fellow, Drug Policy Modeling Program, SPRC, UNSW
Suzie Hudson (Facilitator)
Clinical Advisor, Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs
NSW Ministry of Health
8/3/2022 • 41 minutes, 4 seconds
The Ins and Outs of the NSW Opioid Treatment Program for NSW General Practitioners
In this podcast, Addiction Medicine Specialist and GP, Dr Hester Wilson is joined by Dr Martina Gleeson, Sydney GP to discuss the NSW Opioid Treatment Program
Dr Wilson and Dr Gleeson discuss:
- the implementation of SafeScript NSW
- the how, why and when of assessment and treatment for opioid use disorder including available treatments and medications, managing withdrawal risks, contingency plans and the benefits of ongoing treatment
- the importance collaboration and open communication between patient, family and treating team (doctor, pharmacist, pain clinic etc)
- Naloxone and recognising an overdose
- Free support services for GPs in NSW such as the Drug and Alcohol Specialist Advisory Service and Opioid Treatment Education for Health Professionals in NSW
- Relationships with AOD support services and the Local Health Districts.
For further support please reach out to the following AOD support service:
• For clinical advice: Drug & Alcohol Specialist Advisory Service (DASAS)- https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/WBZhCANp3nuL7XvfG_ru9?domain=svhs.org.au
• For support finding pharmacies and other services that provide OTP in your area: The Opioid Treatment Line (OTL) - https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/HzgACBNq3gupErgT6n4pO?domain=svhs.org.au
• For Opioid Treatment Education for Health Professionals in NSW (free courses) : https://otac.org.au/
7/14/2022 • 45 minutes, 34 seconds
Trouble shooting opioid dependence in the primary care setting
In this podcast, Addiction Medicine Specialist, Dr Hester Wilson will explore Opioid use disorder and what that looks like in practice, including OAT. She is joined by Dr Martina Gleeson, GP and Louisa Jansen who will be sharing experience of opioid dependence.
4/25/2022 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 3 seconds
Gambling harm awareness training for General Practitioners – Part 2
Gambling can have significant impacts on health and wellbeing. It can cause significant financial, health, relationship, education and employment, and social and psychological harm. It is estimated that for every person experiencing problems with gambling, six other people are affected.
In this podcast Dr Hester Wilson, GP and Addiction Specialist, and Dr Kate Fennessy, Senior Clinical Psychologist, run through a range of case scenarios and discuss ways to approach these in the general practice setting.
Resources:
GPs can encourage patients to visit the GambleAware website www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 858 858.
GPs can also make a warm referral by contacting a Gamble Aware service directly (patient consent is required) - https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/i-need-support/i-need-to-talk-to-someone/is-there-support-near-me
Brief biosocial gambling screen https://www.icrg.org/resources/brief-biosocial-gambling-screen
12/17/2021 • 23 minutes, 41 seconds
Gambling harm awareness training for General Practitioners – Part 1
Gambling can have significant impacts on health and wellbeing. It can cause significant financial, health, relationship, education and employment, and social and psychological harm. It is estimated that for every person experiencing problems with gambling, six other people are affected.
Download this podcast to learn about the role of GP’s in identifying, assessing and treating people experiencing gambling harm. The podcast features Mr Ned Anson, a young man who shares his experience of living with and recovering from gambling harm.
Resources:
GPs can encourage patients to visit the GambleAware website www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 858 858.
GPs can also make a warm referral by contacting a Gamble Aware service directly (patient consent is required) -https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/i-need-support/i-need-to-talk-to-someone/is-there-support-near-me
Brief biosocial gambling screen https://www.icrg.org/resources/brief-biosocial-gambling-screen
12/17/2021 • 23 minutes, 19 seconds
Part 2 - Sexual Health Care for Young People
Tips, tricks and things that young people want you to know!
The largest group to be diagnosed with sexually transmissible infections (STI) in NSW are people aged 15-29 years. GPs are the health professional that young people are most likely to access for care. GPs not only play a pivotal role in prevention, testing and treatment of STIs, but are hugely influential in normalising and promoting patient access to sexual health care across the lifespan.
Download this podcast to learn from other GPs about approaches and top tips for delivering sexual health care to young people from a range of backgrounds. This includes how to easily start a conversation to offer and conduct sexual health screening. Also featured are young people talking about what matters to them when accessing sexual health care. Simple and practical techniques are included which GPs can use to improve a young person’s experience when accessing General Practice.
10/17/2021 • 37 minutes, 58 seconds
Part 1 - Sexual Health Care for Young People
Tips, tricks and things that young people want you to know!
The largest group to be diagnosed with sexually transmissible infections (STI) in NSW are people aged 15-29 years. GPs are the health professional that young people are most likely to access for care. GPs not only play a pivotal role in prevention, testing and treatment of STIs, but are hugely influential in normalising and promoting patient access to sexual health care across the lifespan.
Download this podcast to learn from other GPs about approaches and top tips for delivering sexual health care to young people from a range of backgrounds. This includes how to easily start a conversation to offer and conduct sexual health screening. Also featured are young people talking about what matters to them when accessing sexual health care. Simple and practical techniques are included which GPs can use to improve a young person’s experience when accessing General Practice.
10/17/2021 • 38 minutes, 40 seconds
Domestic and family violence: what is a GP’s role?
One in four Australian women has experienced violence from an intimate partner (ABS, 2017). The effects of domestic and family violence on physical and mental health result in high use of health care, making GPs an important gateway to care. This podcast will look at two challenging case studies that illustrate the GP’s role in responding to domestic and family violence, and will share practical advice on how GPs can support safety planning for people experiencing violence.
Resources:
WLNSW GP toolkit: https://www.wlsnsw.org.au/wp-content/uploads/GP-toolkit-updated-Oct2019.pdf
RACGP - Abuse and Violence White Book: https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/white-book
DV SAT: https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/41874/Domestic-Violence-Safety-and-Assessment-Tool-Guide-DVSAT-Guide.pdf
ACCRM Family and Domestic Violence Education Package: https://mycollege.acrrm.org.au/search/find-online-learning/details?id=10262&title=Rural+Doctors+Family+and+Domestic+Violence+Education+Package
DVRCV: Identifying and responding to family violence: a guide for general practitioners.
https://www.dvrcv.org.au/publications/books-and-reports/guide-for-general-practitioners
Referral Pathways:
Relationships Australia: http://www.relationships.org.au/
1800RESPECT: https://www.1800respect.org.au/
MensLine Australia: https://mensline.org.au/
Men’s Referral Service: https://www.ntv.org.au/get-help/
2/3/2021 • 46 minutes, 14 seconds
Challenges in managing children above a healthy weight
Managing children and families of children who are above a healthy weight is often difficult. Referring families to specialised services and programs can help re-focus families toward a healthy lifestyle, often without pharmacological or surgical intervention.
Go4Fun is a free, NSW health, evidence-based program for children aged 7-13 years who are above a healthy weight and their families. The 10 week program involves weekly two hour sessions and focuses on healthy eating, physical activity and behaviour change. Clinicians can refer through a number of referral pathways and are kept informed of families’ participation in the program.