Last chance to register: Thinking outside the pill box (Webinar)

The Area 4 Pharmacotherapy Network (A4PN) is hosting a webinar for clinicians who would like to learn more about a whole-of-person approach to chronic pain. 

SafeScript has provided clinicians with a strong impetus to find alternative interventions that complement
existing treatments for patients who live with chronic pain.

Join the expert multidisciplinary panel as they
use the biopsychosocial model of pain to discuss pragmatic and evidence-based interventions aimed to
improve outcomes for people living with persistent pain.

Topics covered:

• The biopsychosocial model of chronic pain
• Physiotherapy for the management of relapse and flare-ups
• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
• Social prescribing
• The place of pharmacotherapy in addressing co-morbid substance dependence and chronic pain.

When: Tuesday, 13 October 2020, 7 pm - 9 pm
Where: Online via Zoom
CPD: 4 Points
Register here. 

Are you using SEMPHN's Optimal (Cancer) Care Pathways?

We invite you to participate in a short survey to provide feedback on the available cancer care pathways in your region. This will help to improve cancer care pathways and the cancer care experience for you and your patients.

Complete the survey

ARTD Consultants in partnership with the University of Melbourne, School of Population and Global Health have been commissioned by the Victorian Tasmanian Primary Health Network Alliance (VTPHNA) to evaluate the implementation of the optimal care pathways (OCPs) for cancer care into primary care using the SEMPHN online care pathways.

The evaluation aims to understand the usage, experiences and opinions of GPs, practice managers and nurses to determine barriers and facilitators to using OCPs on SEMPHN online care pathways.

The survey should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and your answers will remain completely anonymous. The survey link includes access to a participant information sheet which provides more information about the evaluation.

As a thank you for your time, participants who complete the survey are able to to enter the draw for a Fitbit 4.

BreastScreen Victoria van returns to Dandenong

SEMPHN has once again partnered with BreastScreen Victoria (BSV) to bring the free mobile breast screening van back to Dandenong’s Palm Plaza from Monday 2 to Friday 13 November 2020.

There are over 9,900 women in the City of Greater Dandenong that are due to have a breast screen and have not yet booked an appointment.

The van provides an opportunity to have a breast screen in a convenient location with friendly staff.

While a GP referral is not required to attend an appointment, a GP recommendation is invaluable in encouraging participation in the program.

General practices in the Dandenong area are encouraged to promote the van’s visit to eligible asymptomatic patients who haven’t screened before or are due for a screen.

For free promotional materials for your clinic, email dwalker@breastscreen.org.au.

More information about screening during COVID-19 can be found on the BSV website.

Book now: Call 13 20 50 or visit breastscreen.org.au

 Have you heard of Cancer Council’s ‘Don’t Delay’ Campaign?

Data released by Cancer Council Victoria indicates melanoma reporting to the Victorian Cancer Registry decreased by 31 per cent in the first period of restrictions in Victoria (30 March to 30 June 2020) compared to the pre-COVID period (1 Feb to 27 March 2020).

The data underlines an emerging concern amongst health care professionals that some cancers are not being diagnosed because people are nervous about visiting doctors for check-ups, cancer screening and important follow-up investigations.

This delay could mean people present later with more complicated and progressed cancer, making treatment options more challenging.

Click for helpful resources:

• Campaign resources
• Cancer and COVID-19 information for health professionals
• 2020 media releases.

Virtual conference: New frontiers, leading inspired cancer care

Register to join Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and MD Anderson Cancer Center from 16-19 November.
 
The program includes an exciting list of speakers who will feature as part of four main plenary sessions.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in multiple virtual concurrent and poster sessions, as well as connect one on one with sponsors and colleagues from over 52 institutions from around the globe. 

The virtual conference will explore innovative discoveries and translational research, new and novel treatments and discuss digital health and patient-centred care, building collaborations and partnerships that aim to lessen the world’s cancer burden.

Register and gain free access to the secure OnAIR virtual event platform, allowing you to view and participate in the full conference program.

Refer Online to Central Bayside Community Health Services

A new referral form is available on the Central Bayside Community Health Services (CBCHS) website enabling GPs and health professionals to submit client referrals online.

Services are being provided via Telehealth (video and phone consultation) with essential support delivered face-to-face with COVID-safe measures in place.

CBCHS services include:

• Child Development
• Counselling
• Physiotherapy & Podiatry
• Speech Pathology
• Occupational Therapy
• Dietetics & Diabetes Education
• Dementia & Nursing
• Drug & Alcohol Support
• Social Support Groups & Community Visitors Scheme
• Dental Services
• Medical Specialists – Endocrinologist, Geriatrician, Paediatrician, Hand Therapist
• Disability Services (NDIS) 

Funding options for clients include Pension Card, Healthcare Card, NDIS and Medicare.

Please view the CBCHS website for the latest information on service delivery options.

Working towards sustained self-management of diabetes

Peer Support can be a powerful tool for those living with diabetes, with potential benefits including; assisting in self-management and links to clinical care and community resources.

Diabetes Victoria Peer Support program team members, Giovanna Taverna and Megan Higgs recently shared insight on how peers can provide the perfect ongoing support for sustained self-management of diabetes and highlighted the Diabetes Victoria Peer Support model.

Read the Diabetes Management Journal article about peer support here.

To find out more about the Diabetes Victoria Peer Support Program please contact the Peer Support team via email at peersupportgroups@diabetesvic.org.au or call Giovanna Taverna on 0426 202 912.

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma season is here

The epidemic thunderstorm asthma public health campaign aims to ensure that all Victorians, and in particular people with asthma and/or hay fever, are as prepared as they can be should another epidemic thunderstorm asthma event occur.

The following resources are available for use by health and community services and the general community:

• The Department of Health and Human Services’ thunderstorm asthma campaign resources
• Community information is available on the Better Health Channel
• Additional resources are available for the general community, including sports and recreation groups, schools and workplaces from Asthma Australia
• The Australian Asthma Handbook and a dedicated information paper on thunderstorm asthma are available from the National Asthma Council website

The epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecast will be issued throughout the grass pollen season from 1 October 2020 to 31 December 2020. You can access the forecast via the VicEmergency website or app, the Health.Vic website or the Melbourne Pollen website or app.