The Check-Up is a weekly news segment of the 5-Minute Catchup, bringing notable news in a convenient medium. In this week’s podcast we’ll discuss interest in the administration of Paediatric Moderna, the new temporary MBS telehealth item, updated National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce resources, monkeypox, National Bowel Cancer Screening Program webinars and more.
COVID antivirals available by telehealth phone consultation
MBS Online - Medicare Benefits Schedule - Item 93716
National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce – updated Decision tool for at risk adults
National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce – FAQs about oral antiviral medications
The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia – Don’t Rush to Crush
World Health Organization - WHO Director-General's statement, 23 July 2022
Department of Health and Aged Care - Monkeypox
National Bowel Cancer Screening Program – education webinars
CanTEST Health and Drug Checking Service
Department of Health and Aged Care - COVID-19 Oral Antiviral Treatments
Capital Health Network - Events
Questions? Contact our Primary Care Team via email and we'll be in touch.
primarycare@chnact.org.au
Welcome to the five-minute catch up my name is Kate Aigner from the Quality Improvement Team, and this is your weekly Check-up.
In this week’s podcast we’ll discuss interest in the administration of Paediatric Moderna, the new temporary MBS telehealth item, updated National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce resources, monkeypox, National Bowel Cancer Screening Program webinars and more.
To start things off, an expression of interest has opened for general practices wishing to participate in the administration of Paediatric Moderna (blue cap) for ages 6 months to 4 years. Although provisionally approved by the TGA, the vaccine is still pending advice from ATAGI and government approval. The initial target cohort will likely be at-risk children who are immunocompromised, have comorbidities and/or have a disability, aged 6 months to 4 years. Interested practices are asked to confirm the following when submitting their EOI: that they are interested in administering the Moderna (blue cap) Vaccine; what their expected level of demand for this vaccine type is for this cohort; and that they meet the Moderna (blue cap) site requirements. EOIs close at 5pm on Friday 29 July 2022 and should be sent to primarycare@chnact.org.au. Further details are in the email sent to practices on 26 July.
Staying with COVID, with rising COVID-19 infections, and the expansion of eligibility for oral anti-viral treatments, a new, temporary MBS telehealth item has been created to cover a longer consultation by phone. This will enable GPs to spend longer with their patients to assess their suitability for oral COVID-19 antivirals and ensure as many people as possible can access these treatments. The item will remain on the MBS until 31 October 2022. See the links below.
The National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce have updated the risk classification tool for adults with mild COVID-19. They have also updated the decision tool for at risk adults and developed a series of frequently asked questions about oral antiviral medications, explaining differences between taskforce recommendations and PBS guidance. See the links below.
The Don’t Rush to Crush resource provides advice on the options for people eligible for COVID-19 oral treatments, who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules. See the link to the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia resource below.
And onto Monkeypox, the World Health Organization have declared that the global monkeypox outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern. The WHO Director-General has issued temporary recommendations in relation to the outbreak that apply to different areas of the world, based on their epidemiological situation, patterns of transmission and capacities. Further information is in the links below. Also look out for our Monkeypox education event coming up in August, with more details available soon.
Now it’s time for the titbits…
GPs, practice nurses and their clinics are invited to attend a free 30-minute webinar focusing on the skills and knowledge they need to support their patients’ participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. See the link below to register.
The ACT Government has launched Australia’s first fixed-site health and drug checking service. Run by Directions Health Services, the 6 month pilot of CanTEST Health and Drug Checking Service will provide free chemical analysis of drugs and pills as well as drop-in nurse consultations offering general health, sexual health and mental health advice. See the link below for more information.
And the latest phase of the campaign to inform Australians that COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments are available for eligible people has been launched. See the link to the Department of Health and Aged Care campaign below.
Finally, Capital Health Network has some exciting events coming up in August. We are still confirming the final details and will provide more information here as soon as we can.
And that wraps up your weekly check-up. Did you know that Capital Health Network is always available to answer your queries? If you have any questions about any of the information in this podcast, get in contact with us via email at primarycare@chnact.org.au
Our Quality Improvement Team here at Capital Health Network can assist you and your practice in developing QuIK Cycle Activities – a Plan-Do-Study-Act Quality Improvement Activity which could award participating General Practitioners with RACGP CPD Points by undertaking Self-Directed Quality Improvement. Get in contact with our team to discuss your opportunities for Continuous Quality Improvement.
On behalf of everyone here at Capital Health Network through the ACT’s PHN Program we thank you for tuning in and we’ll see you next Thursday for your next Check-up.
LINKS
COVID antivirals available by telehealth phone consultation
MBS Online - Medicare Benefits Schedule - Item 93716
National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce – updated Decision tool for at risk adults
National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce – FAQs about oral antiviral medications
The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia – Don’t Rush to Crush
World Health Organization - WHO Director-General's statement, 23 July 2022
Department of Health and Aged Care - Monkeypox
National Bowel Cancer Screening Program – education webinars
CanTEST Health and Drug Checking Service
Department of Health and Aged Care - COVID-19 Oral Antiviral Treatments
Capital Health Network - Events
Questions? Contact our Primary Care Team via email and we'll be in touch.
primarycare@chnact.org.au