Background: Prescription drug abuse is a rising problem in Australia and pharmaceutical drugs have been the most frequent contributors to overdose deaths in Victoria in recent years. Objective/s: The objectives of this article are to examine the main prescription drugs contributing to overdose deaths and to consider how doctors may help in reducing this problem...

Background The ‘inherited’ patient, where a patient switches to a new doctor, is a common and potentially challenging scenario, especially where drugs of dependence are involved. There are few resources to guide general practitioners (GPs) with an approach that ensures compassion and rational clinical decision-making. Objective/s The aim of this article is to guide GPs...

Introduction Alcohol is one of the most widely used drugs in Australia. According to the 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS), about four out of five Australians aged ≥14 years consumed alcohol in the previous year, and 6.5% did so on a daily basis. Those most likely to drink daily were in the ≥70-year...

Background Limited studies have explored the actual usage of the ‘after hours GP helpline’ (AGPH). Objective/s The objectives of the article are to describe medication-related calls to the AGPH and compare callers’ original intentions versus the advice provided by the general practitioner (GP). Methods We performed a detailed descriptive statistical analysis of medication-related queries received...

The Medicare-rebated Health Assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People (Medicare Benefits Schedule [MBS] item number 715) has been progressively implemented across Australia since 1999. Semi-structured interviews and self-complete mail surveys with 31 general practice staff and practitioners were combined with an audit of practice systems and patient medical records in seven general practices...