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Advance provides training and support for general practice nurses in Australia.
As a general practice nurse, you play a key role in patient management. Your ongoing relationship with patients and carers, and the level of trust you develop, means you are ideally placed to help patients identify their most important symptoms, concerns and priorities.
The Advance training package will help you and General Practitioners (GPs) to work together to initiate ACP and, where appropriate, palliative care for older and/or chronically ill patients within the practice.
CareSearch is funded by the Commonwealth DoH and it brings relevant evidence and quality information to palliative care. There is a significant education section that amongst other training opportunities, provides links to web based leaning from various training provides throughout Australia and oversees. Most of these modules are free of charge and others may have a fee. Visit CareSearch web based learning.
On-line learning resources to support knowledge and skills of GPs practice for palliative care delivery. The free resources include six Modules of Learning–topics include:
The online learning is further supported with evening case study based face to face workshops Nationally. The workshops will allow GPs to come together for 2 –3 hours to discuss Palliative Care patient case studies with local Palliative Care experts.
The Department of Health and Human Services Victoria in conjunction with Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and eviQ have developed the Malnutrition in Cancer eLearning program for multidisciplinary cancer clinicians. This is a free resource developed for multidisciplinary clinicians.
The comprehensive, evidence-based program has been developed following a recognised need for improved awareness, knowledge and management of cancer malnutrition during and after cancer treatment. A recent point prevalence study across 15 Victorian Health Services, and including 1693 oncology patients, found that 31-48% of oncology patients are malnourished, and less than half of these patients were being seen by a dietitian.
Consequences of undiagnosed and therefore untreated malnutrition can include impaired immune response, muscle function, quality of life and wound healing; increased complications and a reduction in the effectiveness and tolerance to treatment.
Access the malnutrition in cancer program.
The completion of the package will contribute to CPD points and enhance knowledge and practices around Malnutrition in Cancer. The resource has been endorsed by the Dietitians Association of Australia.
The Online Module for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and other primary care providers is now available on the Indigenous Bowl Screen website via the online module.
The website is the main point for information on Indigenous bowel screening and associated activities and will continue to be updated with information and resources.
Interactive programs have been developed for medical, nursing, allied health and general practice health professionals and include modules on:
Online training is available through BreastScreen Victoria.
Online courses include:
General:
A cancer screening tool for disability workers and carers
Rural Health Professionals:
GP Learning:
NPS Medicinewise has five online modules supporting the health professional to transition to the renewed Cervical Screening Program.
The objectives of the modules are to provide online training for healthcare providers who conduct cervical screening tests and follow-up management for women, in accordance with the recommended changes to practice and the clinical pathway. The modules include:
https://www.cancer.org.au/health-professionals/resources/online-learning
• Cancer Screening
• EdCan Nursing Project
• Know Asbestos
• Consumers in Research
• National Bowel Screening
Access a one-hour online seminar on bowel cancer, screening and how nurses working in general practice can approach bowel screening with patients has been developed by Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association.
Did you know 15% of patients who experience warning signs of heart attack or stroke will call or attend a general practice as a first response?
Non-clinical staff (i.e. reception staff) are considered the ‘eyes’ and ‘ears’ of any practice and are nearly always the first point-of-call for patients entering the practice system. Therefore, it is vital non-clinical staff are able to appropriately identify and manage patients presenting with suspected time-critical emergencies such as heart attack or stroke.
The BeAWARE of warning signs of heart attack and stroke online learning module supports non-clinical staff to promptly identify patients who call or attend with suspected warning signs of heart attack or stroke.
Access further information via Heart Foundation online learning.
It is estimated that one in ten patients in any general practice is a carer. Carers provide a vital role, and enable patients to maintain their independence, wellness and quality of life. However, carers themselves can experience a range of negative health, social and financial impacts as a result of their caring role.
The new Carer Awareness Education offers guidance for GPs to identify and support patients who are carers. Carer Awareness Education covers:
Many carers consider general practice the place to point them in the direction of support and services.
“It is important that primary care providers are aware of the range of issues that carers may face, and that GPs are able to identify carers, involve them in patient care where appropriate, support them to maintain the caregiving situation and monitor their health and wellbeing.” Says Jeannie Knapp, GP and HealthPathways clinical editor, and presenter of the online Carer Awareness Education.
The Carer Awareness Education kit was developed with input from GPs, carers, and Carers Victoria and is framed by The Victorian Carer Strategy 2018-2022. This project is funded by Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in partnership with Carers Victoria and delivered by Victorian and Tasmanian PHN Alliance (VTPHNA), led by North Western Melbourne PHN.
Download flyer for further details.
Express your interest to access the kit here. On submission you will receive a link and email to immediately access the kit.
The education session and webinar content has been approved by RACGP for two CPD activity points and ACRRM for 1 hour of professional development (2020-2022 triennium). Complete the survey after you have watched all three parts of the webinar and follow the instructions in the survey to submit for professional development points.
Think of three people close to you. One of them is likely to be affected by lung disease in their lifetime. There are over 30 different types of lung disease currently impacting one in four men, women and children across Australia. It is our nation’s second leading cause of death, taking more lives than dementia and diabetes, yet it receives very little publicity, funding, research or support. There is currently no cure for the majority of lung diseases and the impact on the lives of those affected is devastating. This is only intensified by the unfair stigma associated with lung disease which contributes to significant delays in diagnosis and inadequate access to treatment and care. Lung disease is one of the highest health burdens in our country. More needs to be done. It’s time for tackling lung disease to be a national health priority.
The training carries continuing professional development (CPD) hours for nurses and pharmacists. For more information, phone free call 1800 654 301, email enquiries@lungfoundation.com.au or visit the Lung Foundation website.
The Lung Foundation has many clinical resources to assist you and your patients. These are updated regularly with the latest evidence in diagnosis and management of COPD. To be kept up to date with developments subscribe to the Airwaves Newsletter.
Working with people who have dementia is not easy; it can be challenging and upsetting, but it can also be very rewarding and satisfying.
Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) offers a series of five Understanding Dementia online training courses, each providing training in different aspects of dementia care.
The aim of this is to provide an understanding of dementia, with the goal of:
Each course costs a small fee and can be completed in your own time.
For health professionals: Dementia Australia
An internationally recognised online resource, run by dermatologists Dr Jim Muir, Dr Rachael Foster and Plastic Surgeon Dr Dan Kennedy your case will be responded to within 48 hours and you can access over 500 education cases, procedural videos and participate in the case of the week.
Tele-Derm is hosted by ACRRM and is funded by the Department of Health, Rural Health Outreach Fund (RHOF).
The primary aim of Exercise is Medicine is to educate healthcare providers about the role of physical activity in the prevention, treatment and management of chronic disease, and advocate for multidisciplinary care. These activities will support participants in their assessment, treatment, management and referral of patients with and at risk of chronic disease.
There are three educational opportunities available.
1. Hospital Education Program – NEW!
2. Primary Care Face-to-Face Workshops
3. Online eLearning Education
For further information, click here.
Visit: exerciseismedicine.com.au
People working in the community play a very important role in addressing hepatitis B and C.
Whether as a health care professional or a community worker we can all play a part.
These training opportunities are provided by our partners and member organisations.
For training opportunities visit:
For access to Immunisation Courses through the Australian College of Nursing visit: Immunisation courses – Australian College of Nursing (acn.edu.au)
For access to Immunisation Courses including:
• Immunisation – a training course for GPs
• Understanding Vaccines and National Immunisation Program
Visit: Immunisation provider training and education | SA Health
Q fever is an illness caused by a bacterium call Coxiella burnetii which can be caught by humans via direct or indirect contact with infected animals or animal products. Although infected animals can transmit disease to humans, they do not show symptoms or get sick. The illness in humans is usually mild, but may sometimes be severe with long lasting consequences.
Vaccination can help prevent Q fever infection, and may be recommended for those at risk, who are eligible for vaccination.
BioCSL provide online training for health professionals.
Access further information and the training video.
Health care professionals can contact Seqirus (A CSL Company) on 1800 642 865 or email medinfo.aust@seqirus.com.au for a username and password to access a training video from the Q Fever website.
Kidney Health Australia provides education focussed on the detection and management of kidney disease, as well as the link between kidney disease and other chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
For further information and access visit: Primary care education (kidney.org.au)
RACGP are now offering the MATOD program online
For further information, click here.
Or email Vic.MATOD@racgp.org.au
3DN provides free eLearning about intellectual disability to professionals (carers and consumers soon). Our goal is to improve your knowledge, skills and confidence, leading to better mental health and wellbeing for people with an intellectual disability.
The ‘Professionals’ training contains e-learning developed specifically for health/mental health professionals and disability professionals.
The new modules include:
These modules build on the existing eight, which span topics from intellectual disability through to assessment and management of mental disorders in people with an intellectual disability.
Registration: is free, and the modules are available now. Register online here.
The ABLEx series:
ABLE101x – Through my Eyes focuses on the stories of people with intellectual disability around the world, and their families and supporters. Over four parts, students will look at the barriers and enablers to healthcare for people with intellectual disability, their experience of specific syndromes and communication difficulties, and how they stay healthy. Students will listen to family members speaking about complex care, rare syndromes, early death, and planning for independence. The final component focuses on the history of treatment, the impact of rights’ movements on healthcare delivery, common health conditions, and health promotion.
ABLE201x – Well and Able examines the specific physical health issues that affect people with an intellectual disability including, oral health, syndrome specific health issues, health communication, especially for non-verbal patients, sexual health, and interactions between tertiary and primary healthcare systems. There is a special section on complex care including issues associated with aging and spasticity, and the health impacts of epilepsy.
ABLE301x – Able-Minded focuses on the mental health issues of people with intellectual disability. Students learn about the complexities of diagnosing mental health issues in people with intellectual disabilities and the types of disorders, assessments, screenings, and treatments used. There is a special focus on the legal and ethical complexities in health practice with patients who often require substituted consent.
The Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry (3DN) at UNSW Australia has developed a range of resources for health professionals that aim to improve the health and wellbeing of people with an intellectual disability (ID). These resources are free to download.
There are over 400 000 Australians with an intellectual disability (ID). People with an ID experience 2-3 times the rate of mental health disorders and have poorer physical health compared to the general population.
3DN at UNSW Australia has developed a suite of freely accessible resources to improve clinical practice, and subsequently health and mental health outcomes for people with an ID. The key resources are:
Positive Cardiometabolic Health for People with an Intellectual Disability: an Early Intervention Framework and Resources: The Early Intervention Framework has been adapted from a well-accepted, generalist monitoring framework to address the specific cardiometabolic health needs of people with an ID.
Online Learning Modules: The e-Learning site www.idhealtheducation.edu.au is an interactive education resource for everyone with an interest in intellectual disability mental health, including primary health care providers. There are also modules for disability professionals.
The Guide: The Guide is a national framework of understanding and action for frontline mental health service providers, including for primary health care providers, with respect to people with an intellectual disability. It provides an overview of intellectual disability mental health, why accessible services are important, the principles that should guide service delivery, practical strategies for inclusive and accessible services, and the implications for the service system.
The Intellectual Disability Mental Health Core Competency Framework: A Manual For Mental Health Professionals, and upcoming Practical Toolkit: The Intellectual Disability Mental Health Core Competency Framework: A Manual for Mental Health Professionals describes the specific skills and attributes required by mental health professionals for the provision of quality services to people with an intellectual disability.
For Safescript training opportunities visit: SafeScript Training Hub | VTPHNA, or listen to a series of four podcasts that are now available titled ‘Safer patient care in the era of SafeScript’.
The medical world is an ever changing sphere that calls for GPs and allied health professionals to remain up-to-date with the latest developments in primary healthcare. Created to meet the needs of busy healthcare professionals, ThinkGP provides access to a broad range of RACGP and ACRRM accredited online educational activities – free, online, anytime.
ThinkGP is the brainchild of Dr John Crimmins, a veteran general practitioner with over 25 years of experience treating patients from the urban jungle of Sydney city to the lush wilderness of Dorrigo in Northern NSW. Fast forward 12 years and ThinkGP has grown to include over 40,000 GPs, practice nurses and managers, registrars and allied health professionals, awarding over 250,000 QI&CPD points to RACGP and ACRRM members in the 2014-16 triennium alone.
Learn your way with a range of educational mediums: educational modules & ALMs, clinical audits, informative videos, thorough guides & thought-provoking blogs.
The Victorian Primary Care Partnerships (PCPs Online Health Literacy course is available online.
After completing the course, staff will have an understanding of:
Visit: Online Health Literacy Course (vicpcphealthliteracycourse.com.au)
Jean Hailes is a renowned and respected provider of high-quality, evidence-based, specialist women’s health learning opportunities for health professionals.
Education is provided via a range of channels including online and face-to-face activities. Jean Hailes also provides practice support information and health professional tools to guide diagnosis and management of various conditions as well as patient information sheets and booklets.
For access to online learning and resources visit: E-learning courses | Jean Hailes
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) invites you to undertake our Youth Friendly Consultation Skills online module.
The 90-minute online module is free to ACRRM members and RRMEO subscribers, and is accredited for two ACRRM Professional Development Program points.
By undertaking the module, you can:
assess youth health problems in line with the adolescent’s stage of development
conduct a youth friendly consultation, including explaining confidentiality, negotiating to see a young person alone, and using youth friendly communication skills
perform a health risk assessment using the HEEADSSS psychosocial screening tool
The module is presented by Clinical Professor David Bennett, an adolescent health physician with a major interest in the development of integrated, creative health services for young people and their families.
The module was developed in partnership with the Maternity, Child, Youth and Paediatrics Unit in the New South Wales Ministry of Health. Click here to enrol in the module.
This online course includes scientific background and practical clinical information aimed at health practitioners involved in the assessment and treatment of people with obesity. Clinical case studies and interactive questions are designed to maximise engagement and learning.
Find out more about the Management of Obesity course.
Main office
11 Seymour Street, Traralgon, Gunaikurnai Country
13 McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi, Bunurong Country
119 Main Street, Bairnsdale, Gunaikurnai Country
Gippsland PHN is committed to providing inclusive services and work environments where people of all backgrounds, sexualities, genders, cultures, spiritual beliefs, age, bodies and abilities are valued, supported and celebrated.
Gippsland PHN acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners of country throughout Gippsland, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders both past and present.
We also recognise, respect and affirm the central role played in our work by people with lived experience, their families and/or carers.
Gippsland PHN acknowledges Alfie Hudson for the healing circles artwork. Alfie is a Gunai Kurnai man and created this artwork which represents health professionals being committed to work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members for the best health outcomes.
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