New standards a turning point for cosmetic surgery sector

From L-R, Dr Garry Buckland, Specialist plastic surgeon, Ms Margaret Banks, ACSQHC Director National Standards and Conjoint Professor Anne Duggan, ACSQHC CEO

Widespread concern about the safety of Australians undergoing cosmetic surgery has led to the introduction of the National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards. Launched in December 2023, these standards form part of broader reforms to protect people from harm.

The standards address patient suitability including psychological health, informed consent, clinician qualifications, post-operative care, advertising and complaints.

Cosmetic surgery is a billion-dollar industry in Australia, with thousands of procedures performed across the country every year. Download the standards, read the media release, watch the launch webcast to learn more.

AURA 2023: It’s time to weigh up harm from antibiotics

In November, the Commission released AURA 2023: Fifth Australian report on antimicrobial use and resistance in human health. This report shows trends and analyses in hospitals, aged care and primary care settings.

The report found that 21.8 million prescriptions for antimicrobials were dispensed in the community in 2022, down from 26.6 million in 2017. One in three Australians (9.5 million) had at least one antimicrobial dispensed. This is higher than many similar countries, and there is room for improvement.

Download a copy of the report, media release, report highlights and infographic.

MedicineInsight program re-consent underway

MedicineInsight is a national quality improvement program for primary care. General practices around Australia receive personalised reports to compare prescribing and patient care within their practice and at national levels.

Data from the program is also used in critical research projects analysing Australian health care, conditions and trends.

All existing practices in MedicineInsight need to sign a new practice agreement to continue in the program and ensure they receive the first insights reports for 2024.

Learn about the re-consent process and sign up for updates or email QUMCustomerService@safetyandquality.gov.au for more information.

Essential elements for safe and high-quality end-of-life care

The Commission has released the second edition of the National Consensus Statement: Essential elements for safe and high-quality end-of-life care (Consensus Statement).

The Consensus Statement describes nine guiding principles that outline a best practice approach to caring for people approaching the end of their life.

This edition has been broadened, following a widespread consultation process, to ensure its relevance to all healthcare services including primary and community care and residential aged care facilities. Download the Statement and fact sheet.

Quick Bites

Clinical care standard for psychotropic medicines in people with cognitive disability or impairment

This year, we will release a new clinical care standard to reduce the inappropriate use of psychotropic medicines in people with cognitive disability or impairment, particularly when used for managing changed behaviours or behaviours of concern.

Learn more about the standard and keep up to date with the launch timing on our website at safetyandquality.gov.au/psychotropics-ccs.

Spotlight on sustainability: National Medicines Symposium 2023

Are you interested in the quality use of medicines and sustainable healthcare? The National Medicines Symposium 2023 (NMS) explored the appropriate use of medicines and their relevance to sustainability from different perspectives.

This webcast is relevant for healthcare professionals and managers, policymakers,  clinical colleges, professional associations, and consumers. Watch the recordings and learn more at safetyandquality.gov.au/NMS23.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Clinical Care Standard

COPD is a severe chronic condition affecting an estimated 1 in 14 Australians over the age of 40. The Commission is developing a clinical care standard to address gaps in clinical practice, providing a pathway of quality care for managing COPD in community and acute settings and the transitions of care between them.

Following the public consultation held in late 2023, we plan to release the new standard later this year. Learn more at safetyandquality.gov.au/copd-ccs.

New guidance for antimicrobial shortages

The Commission has collaborated with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (NACCHO) to develop specialised fact sheets to manage antimicrobial shortages for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers and clinicians in the health sector. Access these resources and existing general guidance.

Hand Hygiene for dental healthcare workers goes live

A new Hand Hygiene for dental healthcare workers eLearning module is now available. The module complements the 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene for Dental and Oral Health Setting poster, a Dental Hand Hygiene Auditing Rules resource guide and implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs in dental practices.

IPC Guide for Aged Care project has hit halfway point

A Reference Group is assisting the Commission in developing the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Guide for Aged Care (the Guide) to be released for public consultation in March 2024. The Guide will support aged care providers in preparing to meet the infection prevention and control requirements in the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards planned for release in mid-2024.

Careers at the Commission

2 Minutes with Dr Paul Miles, Director eHealth and Medication Safety

What is your role, in 25 words or less?
I’m very fortunate to lead a team dedicated to digitally-enabled care and medication safety projects.

What did you do before the Commission?
I worked in different public hospital executive roles across Sydney. I’ve also worked as a Senior Lecturer in Health Service Management at Flinders University.

What was your first job?
“Welcome to Red Rooster drive thru! May I take your order, please?”

What is it like working at the Commission?
It’s a privilege working for the Commission. Observing the health system at a national level and being given the opportunity to improve safety and quality across Australia. I must admit it took some time to adjust from ‘operational land’ to policy; however, I think that helps with understanding the challenges of the health system. Most of my team also have previous operational experience, which keeps us focused on developing practical resources.

What are three things you can't live without?
1. My three dachshunds, whose barking has become the soundtrack of my life.
2. My wife, for being my closest confidante and ‘listening’ patiently to all my hospital and health stories.
3. Lebanese charcoal chicken, for slowly converting my blood type to garlic sauce.

What are you most looking forward to this year?
Strengthening transitions of care using interoperable digital solutions, and the usability of clinical information systems, bringing digitally enabled care and data closer together, and AI. Did you say this year? Just a few things on!