The PIP Quality Improvement (QI) Incentive starts on 1 August 2019. It’s a payment to general practices that participate in quality improvement activities to improve patient outcomes and deliver best practice care.
There are two components a general practice needs to meet to qualify for a PIP QI Incentive payment:
- participation in continuous quality improvement activities in partnership with their local Primary Health Network (PHN)
- and the regular provision of the PIP Eligible Data Set to your local PHN.
Practices intending to claim the PIP QI, who have not yet signed a data sharing (PHIN participation) agreement are encouraged to return their signed agreement and provide their practice PIP ID as soon as possible. Please email our provider support team with any questions, or to request a copy of the agreement.
Primary Health Tasmania will host a Q and A webinar at 1pm on Friday 19 July about PIP QI. Those wishing to participate will need to register by COB Thursday 18 July.
After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.Any questions in the meantime can be directed to our provider support team.
Practices will be able to register for the PIP QI Incentive via HPOS from 1 August 2019 using their Provider Digital Access (PRODA) account.
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A total of 1390 laboratory-confirmed flu notifications (1326 influenza A and 64 influenza B) have been confirmed as of 30 June, according to the latest Tasmanian flu notification report.
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Last year, Primary Health Tasmania partnered with the Tasmanian Health Service to run a series of hepatitis and HIV PReP events.
We are now seeking feedback from local GPs via a short survey about potential need for further training and resources on HIV and hepatitis management in Tasmania.
A reminder also there are updated Tasmanian HealthPathways for hepatitis and HIV management. You can access the pathways by clicking the button below, with username: connectingcare and password: health.
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Primary Health Tasmania is seeking to fill a vacancy for a GP on our Clinical Advisory Council.
The council is a vital strategic function for Primary Health Tasmania in ensuring clinical leadership features strongly in decisions that impact on Tasmania’s health system, primary care workforce and local communities.
Applications close 31 July. To find out more, click here.
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The Australian Department of Health reports there has been a number of inquiries regarding billing for women who present for follow up of a prior Intermediate Risk cervical screening test result. Women who are due to have a 12-month follow-up test are sent communications by the National Cancer Screening Register (NCRS) nine months following the original screen date.
Please note that 12-month follow-up HPV tests are supported by the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) by claiming MBS item number 73072.
Unlike item number 73070, which is intended for primary screening of asymptomatic women, MBS item number 73072 does not have a time restrictor and can therefore be performed at any time after the date of the original cervical screening test and be eligible for an MBS rebate.
Clinical experts have advised the National Cancer Screening Program that a minimum of nine months should separate the follow-up test from the initial screening test.
The NCSR has also prepared a fact sheet on authenticating cervical screening providers without a medicare provider number.
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The RACGP has announced the state winners in its annual general practice awards program.
Primary Health Tasmania congratulates the Tasmanian winners:
- Dr Sue Shearman - Tasmanian GP of the Year
- Dr Jane Hampson - Tasmanian GP Supervisor of the Year.
Primary Health Tasmania is lucky to have had Sue on board as a Tasmanian HealthPathways Clinical Editor since May 2014. Sue has produced pathways in areas including child health, infectious diseases, palliative care, respiratory and genetics, and is currently working on the suite of child and youth mental health pathways.
National RACGP Award winners will be selected from the cohort of state winners and will be announced at the GP19 conference in Adelaide in October.
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Flinders Island Spotted Fever is a rare infection caused by the bacteria Rickettsia honei, transmitted to humans by the bite of a tick.
A recent study has found 18 cases acquired in Tasmania were notified to the Tasmanian Department of Health between 2012 and 2017.
Most cases were acquired on Flinders Island (13 cases; 72%), but a small number cases were acquired on mainland Tasmania: three around Great Oyster Bay and two in the Midlands. This is the first time that confirmed cases have been described as being acquired in the Midlands of Tasmania.
The ticks that carry the bacteria that causes Flinders Island Spotted Fever are found on reptiles such as blue-tongued lizards and snakes.
Symptoms of Flinders Island Spotted Fever include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, and a rash. Diagnosis is by a blood test done two weeks apart (serology) and it can be successfully treated with an oral antibiotic (doxycycline).
The best way to prevent Flinders Island Spotted Fever is to prevent tick bites with insect repellent and protective clothing. These measures will also prevent being bitten by mosquitoes, which can also carry other infections - such as Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus - in these areas.
For further information please see a recently published journal article authored by Public Health Services.
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Medical practitioners should contact the Police Radio Room on 131 444 to report a death that is defined as ‘reportable’ to arrange for police attendance. By reporting it to police, the Coroner's Office will also be notified of the death.
The coroner’s associates, as Tasmania Police members, facilitate an on-call role for the coroner if she/he is to be immediately notified of a death in the event that they may wish to attend the scene. This is facilitated via the Police Radio Room and does not generally include hospital deaths, unless it is a homicide or workplace-related death.
The previous process of associates receiving phone calls in a consulting role to assist in determining if a death is reportable under the Coroners Act 1995 will no longer be available out of hours as it is in breach of the Police Award and not the role of associates when on call.
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The Black Dog Institute is seeking Expressions of Interest from GPs to join their GP Advisory Group. The purpose of the GP Advisory Group is to provide insights and advice to inform the design, development and implementation of the Black Dog Institute’s current and emerging services for GPs.
The Black Dog Institute aims to have varied representation in the Advisory Group. Ideally, members will range in their years of experience as a GP, location within Australia (remote, rural and regional Australia), gender and cultural background. It is not necessary for GPs to have a special interest in mental health to become a member of the Advisory Group.
Applications close 4 August.
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The way that GPs refer DVA cardholders to allied health professionals has changed following adjustments foreshadowed in the May 2018–19 Budget.
Under previous DVA arrangements, a GP could refer a client to allied health services for up to a year at DVA’s expense (except for dental and optical, for which no referral is required). For chronic conditions, the GP could make an ongoing referral.
Under the new arrangements, which have been in place since 1 July, GPs will only be able to make a referral to allied health services at DVA’s expense for up to 12 sessions or one year, whichever comes sooner.
This new arrangement also applies to clients with a chronic condition. Dental and optical services still do not need a GP referral.
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On 1 July, the Australian Department of Human Services began the transition from
authentication file to Provider Digital Access (PRODA) to access the Australian Immunisation
Register (AIR) site via Health Professional Online Services (HPOS).
The benefit of PRODA is:
- greater security than the current authentication file technology
- users can register online
- users can access the AIR site from any device
- users can send attachments to the Department using secure email in HPOS.
AIR vaccination providers with a Medicare provider number (i.e. medical practitioners, nurse
practitioners and midwives) can already create a PRODA account. On 31 August this year, DHS will
switch off the authentication file for this group of providers.
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The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA)'s new Not Just a Nurse podcast will give listeners insight into the minds and journeys of some of the most impressive and inspiring people in nursing.
In the first episode, Professor Emerita of the University of Sydney, Jill White, speaks about the privilege of being a nurse, and her passion for the general public to know more about the nursing profession.
On a broader scale, she also speaks about the Nursing Now campaign's global vision.
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Turning Point and Monash University are currently recruiting for an NHMRC-funded research trial evaluating a telephone-delivered program to reduce problem drinking.
They are particularly interested in boosting Tasmanian involvement in the trial and are seeking participants aged 18+ years, who may have developed problems related to their alcohol use.
Participating patients will receive one of the free interventions from the comfort of their own home, at times that are convenient, from anywhere in Australia. All participants will also be reimbursed for their time.
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Researchers from the University of Adelaide are exploring whether or not electronic prescribing systems can help reduce inappropriate prescribing.
As part of the study, a voluntary online survey is being conducted to assess the feasibility of electronic prescribing systems for optimal antimicrobial management.
The survey has been designed for the clinical workforce who are responsible for prescribing and/or administering antibiotics, and takes under 10 minutes to complete.
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Researchers from Monash University are conducting a study into the attitudes of health professionals to older person health assessments.
GPs and practice nurses who have or could potentially conduct Medicare-funded older person health assessments are invited to complete an online survey as part of the study. The survey should take five minutes to complete and participation is voluntary.
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Additional mental health services are now on the ground in north west Tasmania following extra funding provided by the Australian Government. The services have been commissioned locally by Primary Health Tasmania.
Psychology CAFFE is providing new psychological services for people of all ages with moderate to high complexity mental illness in Devonport and surrounding areas plus Burnie.
Cornerstone Youth Services is providing increased access to services for young people with complex and severe mental illness in Devonport. This will soon include extended hours on some week days.
Rural Health Tasmania is providing a mental health nursing service to support adults with complex and severe mental illness across the north west, with extended hours in Devonport and surrounding areas.
There is no cost to eligible clients. Full service details, including eligibility criteria and referral requirements, are available on Our Services Portal.
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Practitioners in the north west with patients who experience long-term pain may be interested in the Persistent Pain Self-Management Program. The six-week program helps people:
- manage pain and fatigue
- get better sleep and eat well to improve health
- communicate effectively with their health team
- pace themselves
- set reachable goals.
The Burnie program will be held at the Burnie Community Health Centre, commencing on Thursday 15 August.
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The National Vaccine Storage Guidelines provide up-to-date information about safe vaccine storage and key recommendations for effective vaccine storage management, including new supporting resources for immunisation providers.
Hard copies of the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines, Strive for 5, 3rd Edition booklet and the supporting resources are being posted to immunisation providers, and additional copies will be available for download or order via the button below.
Please don't order copies online until you have received your copies in the mail (should arrive by 19 July).
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The Australian Government Department of Health has released revised national Pregnancy Care Guidelines (formerly known as the Antenatal Care Guidelines).
The Pregnancy Care Guidelines are designed to support Australian maternity services to provide high-quality, evidence-based antenatal care to healthy pregnant women. They are intended for all health professionals who contribute to antenatal care including midwives, obstetricians, GPs, practice nurses, maternal and child health nurses, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and allied health professionals.
The Pregnancy Care Guidelines cover a wide range of topics including routine physical examinations, screening tests and social and lifestyle advice for women with an uncomplicated pregnancy.
The updated chapters include: Syphilis; Chlamydia; Preterm birth (evidence on cervical length was reviewed); Prolonged pregnancy; and Cytomegalovirus.
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The Tasmanian Health Service (THS) has endorsed the Tasmanian Endoscopy Network's implementation of statewide evidence-based categorisation guidelines for colonoscopy procedures.
The Network has endorsed the use of the Victorian colonoscopy categorisation guidelines 2017 as they are well-established and supported by strong evidence.
They also allow for familiarity of triaging criteria by registrars on rotation from Victoria. These Guidelines will be supported by a THS protocol to ensure consistency across the state.
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Local general practices are welcome to order six new Healthy Kids promotional postcards available to help promote the Tasmanian Department of Health's Healthy Kids website.
The topics for these new postcards are:
- infant feeding - focus on breastfeeding
- infant feeding - focus on feeding cues
- iodine and folate recommendations for pregnancy
- drinking water from a cup
- introducing solids
- packing a lunchbox when out and about.
Postcards can be ordered for free by emailing the order form to this address.
There are also five new Tucker Talk handouts available online. These handouts cover information about feeding a newborn baby and what to expect in the first few days after baby is born.
The information from the handouts has been adapted (with permission) from the Tasmanian Health Service's Maternity Information Package and includes the following topics:
- babies' behaviour before the first breastfeed
- baby-led attachment
- feeding in the first few days
- when to feed your newborn
- baby feeding cues.
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The Lighthouse Hospital Project has developed a module to provide training for health professionals and health service staff on how to identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, in line with standard practice.
The module aims to:
- increase your understanding of the importance, responsibilities and reasons for identifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- improve your knowledge, skills and confidence to identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and record identification data in line with standard practice.
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A reminder the Tasmanian Infection Prevention and Control Unit (Department of Health) has education resources for healthcare workers available on its website.
There is a series of short, self-directed educational videos on the following topics:
- chain of infection
- standard precautions
- transmission-based precautions
- hand hygiene
- waste and linen management
- environmental cleaning
- aseptic technique
- single-use items, disinfection and sterilisation
- respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette
- healthcare-associated infections.
Four short videos also demonstrate how to put on and remove personal protective equipment safely when using standard and transmission-based precautions.
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The 'GPaskthequestion' project provides videos and resources to highlight the importance of asking all pregnant women irrespective of age, socioeconomic status or ethnicity about their alcohol use.
The three videos are entitled:
- Alcohol in pregnancy is everyone's business
- Asking questions about alcohol in pregnancy
- Recording alcohol use in pregnancy.
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Date: Thursday 1 August
Time: 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Location: Launceston
Cost: Free
Host: Primary Health Tasmania
Date: Saturday 3 August
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Devonport
Cost: Free
Host: Primary Health Tasmania
Date: Tuesday 6 August
Time: 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Location: St Helens
Cost: Free
Host: Primary Health Tasmania
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At these forums, Professor Brian Draper will address ageism, the stigma surrounding suicidal behaviour in older adults, and how we understand mental illness and ageing.
Professor Draper will discuss Australian and international research about more effective treatment and care of older patients and clients and how this can aid in suicide prevention.
Click here to find out more and register.
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Date: Thursday 15 August
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Location: Burnie
Cost: $110 per person
Host: HR+ and Primary Health Tasmania
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This conference will cover topics such as QI PIP, demystifying the MBS, creating a LGBTIQ-inclusive practice and change management.
Click here to find out more and register.
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Date: Saturday 17 August
Time: 9:00am to 3:30pm
Location: Burnie
Cost: $66 per person
Host: HR+ and Primary Health Tasmania
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This workshop will cover topics such as change management, and how to manage difficult patients.
Click here to find out more and register.
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Why have one nursing job when you can have three? It's a question Helen Woodfall has wrangled with, given her time is split between working as a midwife, a general practice nurse and a forensic nurse examiner.
"It is hard to keep up with all the professional learning for all three areas," the Tasmanian-born clinician says.
"I sometimes feel like I am spreading myself a bit thin around all three areas, but I love all the three very different roles and I am not ready to give any up at this stage!"
It's a busy working style for the Summerdale Medical Practice team member, who initially chose to study nursing so she'd have "something solid (to) fall back on when needed".
"When I finished school, I wanted to be an air hostess and travel the world and meets lots of people," she says.
"(Then) I started nursing and loved the diversity of the work, doing something that made a difference and the privilege of helping people during often vulnerable times in their lives. So, I guess I got half of my original goal of meeting lots of people – just not the travelling the world!"
Here’s what else she told Primary Health Tasmania:
- On working as a sexual assault forensic nurse at the LGH: "In 2008 the government had funding to start a nurse and doctor model for sexual assault forensic examinations, which was previously just managed by doctors. They were looking for midwives due to their exposure to the anatomy and injuries seen during the examinations. At that time I had just finished some university study and had said to my husband to not let me do any more study for a long time. The next day the CNC of labour ward asked me if I would be interested in doing the role and the university course for it and I said yes! I knew there was a need for more professionals working in the area to ensure there was a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week service and I felt drawn to be a part of that team. For anyone thinking about working in the area, it is a specialised area with limited positions, but if you really are interested staff does change over time so stay informed because if you do get the opportunity to work in this area, you will not regret it as although it can be confronting at times, it is equally as rewarding."
- On the best professional advice she's ever received: "The best professional advice I ever received was probably well before I started nursing. My parents always told me to treat people how you would like to be treated. I have carried this through to my professional career – and treat people how I would like to be treated – or how I would like people to treat people I care about."
- On what she likes to do when she's not working: "A passion I share with my husband is cycling. I have always believed to be able to care for another person’s wellbeing, that you must look after your own. If I have had a stressful day in any of my three roles, I find if I get on my bike and have a ride, that I have it all sorted in my mind by the time I get back and I am ready get back on with life with my family and within my work roles."
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Did you know every Tasmanian general practice is eligible for two visits from our provider support team, per financial year? You can find out more about our practice visit program here, or click on the link below to request a visit.
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