Aust Fam Physician
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The single rod etonogestrel contraceptive implant is available in Australia as Implanon NXT. It is a highly effective, long-acting reversible contraceptive method, which is suitable for most women across the reproductive lifespan. ⋯ Contraceptive implant procedures are usually performed in the general practice setting. Clinicians can support women in making an informed choice to have an implant by providing information about their benefits, side effects and risks, and timely access to insertion. Training in the procedures and compliance with procedural instructions are essential to minimise risks, including deep insertion and damage to neurovascular structures.
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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. ⋯ Data from the Coroners Court of Victoria list the main drugs that contributed to drug-related deaths in 2009-15. Analysis of the data reveals that pharmaceutical drugs contributed to 80% of overdose deaths; benzodiazepines and opioids were the main drug groups involved. Strategies for reducing and managing prescription drug abuse in primary care settings are outlined in this article, including references to published evidence-based clinical guidelines from The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). The safety profile of buprenorphine/ naloxone over methadone is noted and raised as a consideration for clinicians when assessing a patient for opioid replacement therapy.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Tiger Balm as a treatment of tension headache. A clinical trial in general practice.
To assess the efficacy of a topical medication, Tiger Balm, in the treatment of acute tension headache. ⋯ There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in headache relief between Tiger Balm and placebo. The difference between Tiger Balm and medication was not significant.
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Changes to the software used in general practice could improve the collection of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status of all patients, and boost access to healthcare measures specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples provided directly or indirectly by general practitioners (GPs). ⋯ Establishing strong links between collecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status, clinical decision supports, and uptake of GP-mediated health measures specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - and embedding these links in GP software - is a long overdue reform. In the absence of government initiatives in this area, GPs are best placed to advocate for software changes, using the model described here as a starting point for action.
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General practitioners (GPs) are often the first health professional consulted in regard to eating disorders and their varied presentations. Given the prognostic significance of early detection of, and intervention for, such conditions, it is important that GPs feel confident to do so. ⋯ Eating disorders are complex, potentially life-threatening illnesses with significant medical and psychosocial consequences. Early detection and intervention can significantly contribute to better outcomes, and GPs are ideally placed to effect this.