Hepatitis A outbreak

There is an ongoing outbreak of hepatitis A among people who use drugs (primarily but not exclusively by injection), as well as people experiencing homelessness in Victoria.

As of 14 August 2020, there have been 59 confirmed cases and 4 possible cases of hepatitis A associated with this outbreak since July 2019.

A free single-dose hepatitis A vaccination is available for people who use drugs or are experiencing homelessness until 30 November 2020.

Vaccination is available at GP clinics providing specialised services to people who use drugs and people experiencing homelessness as well as via a mobile outreach service.

Consider hepatitis A infection in patients presenting with a compatible illness in these risk groups and take blood for serology (IgM).

Notify all suspected cases of acute viral hepatitis without waiting for serology results to the Department by calling 1300 651 160.

Read the full advisory: Hepatitis A outbreak

Cold chain management during COVID-19

The impact of COVID-19 has created challenging scenarios for immunisation providers which may have required adjustments to service delivery models and staffing levels.

Unfortunately, some of these changes have impacted vaccine cold chain management and vaccine delivery.

Learn more about:

• Vaccine cold chain management
• What to do if your service is required to shut for deep cleaning

• Vaccine delivery 

• Accepting a delivery and receipting of stock. 

Read the full article here. 

Practices and pharmacies in metro Melbourne encouraged to activate ePrescribing

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Pharmacy Guild, along with the federal Department of Health, are encouraging general practices and pharmacies in metropolitan Melbourne to activate ePrescribing. 

Activating it now would help to simplify the prescription management process for telehealth and reduce the risk to patients and staff during the current COVID-19 situation. 

However, general practices should first check that local pharmacies have activated the new function.

The organisations all recommended these steps:

1. Contact your software vendors and ask them to activate ePrescribing functionality
2. Communicate with local pharmacies to confirm they are ready to dispense an electronic prescription
3. Stay informed by attending webinars and education sessions provided by ADHA and the peak bodies.

Remember, the current token model is only one medication per token. So use judgement about whether or not an eScript is appropriate for the patient. 

For more information, see our Health Vital IT ePrescribing resource.

Resources to help patients understand the new system are available here in the Electronic Prescriptions Toolkit (including patient resources):

• Website: http://digitalhealth.immij.com/login: 
• Username: GP_MHR / Pharmacy_MHR1
• Password: myhealthrecord

headspace Youth Early Psychosis Program online training resource packs

Last week, all practices in the catchment were sent information packs in the mail to support practitioners to access the headspace Youth Early Psychosis Program online training.

The training has been developed by headspace in consultation with subject matter experts, GPs, young people and family and friends’ representatives and is being offered for free via SEMPHN to all general practitioners for a limited time.

The training is RACGP accredited (4 CPD) and can be accessed through SEMPHN’s online LMS learning platform at any time. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete and consists of four 30-minute films with four multiple choice questions to answer.

If you did not receive your pack in the mail or have more questions about the training please contact your Provider Support Officer – providersupport@semphn.org.au

For further information visit SEMPHN's website. 

Last chance to register for the end-of-life cancer care webinar

Focusing on end-of-life cancer care, this session will discuss the important role of palliative care plays in symptom management and the role of primary care in readying and supporting patients for this stage. 

The first two Cancer Care & Survivorship in General Practice webinars were very successful.

This third webinar in the series ensures to be a fascinating discussion as we welcome the following speakers:

• Alison Coughlan, facilitator
• Kerrie Cunningham from Banksia Palliative Care Service
• Dr Sandeep Bhagat from Peninsula Health.

When: Tuesday 25 August, 5.45 pm - 6.45pm
Last chance to register here.

Webinar for nurses: Psychological distress in primary health care

With 10.6% of the Australian population receiving Medicare subsidised mental health-specific services in 2018-19,  it is imperative that nurses working in primary health care can provide assessment and practical interventions in line with their individual scope of practice.

This webinar aims to:

• Improve understanding and identification of psychological distress in your patients, especially during the current pandemic
• Improve understanding of the use of GP software templates/tools to support your work
• Improve understanding of your scope of practice in relation to mental health, including clarity of medicolegal considerations  
• Improve confidence in assessing risk and crisis management for the distressed patient
• Improve understanding of impact of co-morbidities,  referral pathways, and care planning considerations
• Consolidate your knowledge of effective documentation
• Identify evidence based resources that you can use as an adjunct to care with your patients.

When: Wednesday, 16 September, 7 pm – 8.30 pm 
Register here.

To find out more, please contact APNA at admin@apna.asn.au or call 1300 303 184.

Medical Abortion Education Information Session

Medical abortion can be safely and effectively provided in primary care with appropriate follow up and emergency arrangements. With the availability of medication for medical abortion (MS2Step) and the legislative support that enables a woman’s right to choose, primary care providers have an opportunity to incorporate medical abortion care into practice.

The event provides information on the clinical & practice considerations for medical abortion service delivery and the available supports and referral pathways for providers in their local area. 

Date: Tuesday, 8 September
Time: 7 pm - 8.15 pm 
Who: GPs, nurses, pharmacists
Register here.

Date: Tuesday 15 September
Time: 12.30 PM - 1.30 PM 
Who: Practice managers
Register here.

For further information please contact Jess Elsworth (jelsworth@whise.org.au) or Cath Hannon (Catherine.Hannon@thewomens.org.au)

Resources for #GettingThroughThisTogether

Have you seen the latest campaign from the National Mental Health Commission (NMHC)?

In response to the effects of COVID-19 restrictions and anxiety, NMHC has collated a number of resources to encourage community members to reach out to loved ones, and to take care of their physical health. 

We all need a little extra support during this time, so let’s be kind, stay connected, check in with each other, and seek professional support when we need it.

Resources your practice can use for social media or other digital channels include:

• A video series
• Social media tiles
• Communication guidelines
• The hashtag #GettingThroughThisTogether

Access all the resources here.

Including the following phone numbers in social media posts relating to #GettingThroughThisTogether will help those seeking support to find it easily. 

• Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service: 1800 512 348
• Lifeline: 13 11 44
• headspace: 1800 650 590
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
• Free Financial counselling: 1800 007 007
• Small Business Help: 1800 413 828
• National Alcohol and Other Drugs hotline: 1800 250 015
• 1800RESPECT:1800 737 732