George Balalis

The IMI are excited to announce the publication of our new myopia treatment short course, available on Australian Doctor. Developed for GPs and allied health practitioners, the course comprises of a short article and quiz, covering essential information on the aetiology, epidemiology, risk factors, signs, symptoms, management options and prognosis of myopia. Why you should read: 📊 In-depth Analysis: Understand causes, risk factors, and management strategies for myopia. 💡 Proactive Approaches: Learn about the importance of outdoor activities, proper lighting, and screen time management in mitigating the onset and progression of myopia. 👓 Modern Treatments: Discover new management options that go beyond traditional optical correction to slow down or control myopia progression. 🧑‍⚕️ Collaborative Care: Tips on working with optometrists and ophthalmologists to provide comprehensive care for patients. 📖 Earn CPD or PDP Points: By completing the "How to Treat" quizzes, you can earn valuable CPD or PDP points, accredited by the RACGP and ACRRM. Myopia prevalence is continuing to increase, bringing with it significant, debilitating implications for both children and adults future eye health. Medical professionals must stay informed about the latest advancements in understanding and managing this condition in patients, improving their quality of live and reducing the risk of long-term complications. Read the full article and take the quiz here: https://lnkd.in/ghByRcaF

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Among many recent reforms in the cosmetic surgery industry in Australia, is legislation to protect the title ‘surgeon’ which was passed on 13 September 2023. The change means that a medical practitioner can only use the title of ‘surgeon’ (including ‘cosmetic surgeon’) if they are registered and completed training in one of the following recognised specialities: Surgery Ophthalmology Obstetrics Gynaecology This reform helps patients better understand a practitioners’ level of skills and qualifications so they can make an informed choice. If you're considering cosmetic surgery, ask about the qualifications of the surgeon performing the surgery. You can find Specialist Plastic Surgeons at asaps.org.au Find out more at health.gov.au #asapsau #specialistplasticsurgeons #knowthedifference

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Jump to the second story in the article (cut and pasted below). So someone had a blood blister and ended up needing an over complicated series of “solutions” to end up being told it’s a blood blister? I hate to be repetitive but MAYBE YOU COULD JUST FUND GPs PROPERLY AND THEY WOULD VISIT AGED CARE HOMES instead of building complicated work arounds? I’m all for accessible digital health but if this is the best example you’re choosing to publish to prove what a great investment this is you’re living on another planet…. So this “solution” was: - expensive Telehealth carts everywhere - an RN on the ward escalated to a nurse practitioner - the nurse practitioner escalated to an emergency department consultant - the virtual ED consultant determined it was a blood blister Surely the bigger story is why was this patient even involving the hospital system in the first place? Would the better answer not been - RACF RN concerned, makes on the day urgent Telehealth appointment with GP or their clinic who looks after the patient - GP reviews, decides it’s a blood blister The reason that doesn’t happen is GPs refuse to engage to RACFs as the remuneration is so poor for what is often a barrage of paperwork and risk dumping. They want to do the work but the red tape and lack of pay is crippling. WA PRIMARY HEALTH ALLIANCE WAPHA is rolling out 180 telehealth carts to aged care facilities across the state. These carts, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, enable quick and efficient communication with GPs and other clinicians, improving access to care and reducing unnecessary hospital visits. Magnolia House at Brightwater Oxford Gardens recently used the cart to support a 74-year-old resident who presented with a necrotic blood blister on the tip of his left big toe. The nurse practitioner assessed the patient on-site and, concerned about the resident’s medical history, requested an urgent Doppler test and a transfer to the emergency department, suspecting a diabetic foot ulcer or gangrene. The WA Virtual ED was initiated by Joondalup Health Campus prior to sending out an ambulance, and an ED consultant was able to use the telehealth cart’s high-resolution cameras to examine the toe. Upon examination, it was determined that the cause was related to a hematoma secondary to trauma rather than a gangrenous toe. The patient was happy to be able to stay at the facility and receive the appropriate treatment on-site. The remote clinician commented that the cart helped prevent an unnecessary and uncomfortable visit to the emergency department. Additionally, it helped avoid any possible complications that could have arisen from the visit. Practices can view a list of RACHs with Visionflex’s telehealth technology or contact [email protected] for additional support. This equipment has been made available through funding under the Australian Government aged care reform package.

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CHF has noted the Australian Government’s response to the Senate Select Committee’s dental report titled: ‘A system in decay: a review into dental services in Australia’ published in November 2023. The Committee’s report made 35 recommendations designed to improve the access and affordability of dental services for Australians who most needed them but could least afford them. CHF believes that much more needs to be done to better the oral health of Australians. The Government must focus its immediate attention in three key areas: - Establish a Chief Dental and Oral Health Officer - Integrate dental and oral health into primary healthcare - Establish a Seniors Dental Benefit scheme. Learn more about the findings here: https://ow.ly/c5ZI50SIOWW

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I am sharing the link to my Grand Round lecture presented in 2023 for the #canberrahealth #CHS detailing our #predictiveAIalgorithm #strokeprediction Great thanks go to Terrence J. Lee-St. John, PhD for his partnering in this initiative For the full version of the strategy article please see my first comment https://lnkd.in/gCmR5XR8

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Patient consent and the incorporation of the patient into their own healthcare decisions is the cornerstone of optimal healthcare.

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Speaker Series ALERT: Management of CKD This issue is a summary of a recent presentation titled: 'Scratching beneath the surface'; insights and updates on the management of CKD (associated pruritus for dialysis) patients in Australia. The expert speaker is Professor Gert Mayer (Universität Innsbruck), Head of the Austrian Dialysis and Transplantation Registry. Read your copy HERE: https://shorturl.at/rIYlb Kidney Health Australia Australian New Zealand Society of Nephrology (ANZSN) #dialysis #speakerseries #management

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How can we keep our pathology services affordable? Whilst the majority of blood tests in Australia are paid for by the government, the pathology companies would obviously prefer patients to make a copayment. But the real question is, are we ordering too many blood tests. Unfortunately, in most cases, the patient doesn't actually decide which tests they need to get, so they can’t just reduce their copayments by ordering fewer tests. And those who do their own 'research' would generally want more tests, not fewer, but usually they're the ones who can afford to pay for them in the first place. Copayments will probably lead to more disparity as poorer people choose not to have their tests, while richer people may demand for more tests (still subsidised by the government). But none of these decisions should be made by the patients. While it's good to learn more about your own health, make sure you have a well trusted doctor who can make these professional decisions for you. #health #healthcare #medicine #pathology #medicare #copayment https://lnkd.in/g8McGfdG

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From the latest edition of Critical Care and Resuscitation Journal, make sure to read another original article: "A retrospective registry-based study into the proportion of patients admitted to intensive care who have anaphylaxis as a principal diagnosis and their outcomes in Australia and New Zealand." Critical Care and Resuscitation is the official journal of the College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand. https://loom.ly/qH-yYbU

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At JCAT- a split bolus injection protocol results in opacification of pulmonary arteries and veins, but at different conspicuous densities, helpful for evaluating anatomy of vessels.

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https://lnkd.in/gtsPvTva Check this video to learn more about - Life after #BariatricSurgery

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Intensive care utilisation after elective surgery in Australia and New Zealand: A point prevalence study. We aimed to describe the characteristics, outcomes and resource utilisation of patients being cared for in an ICU after undergoing elective surgery in Australia and New Zealand. ICU resource utilisation of patients who have undergone elective surgery is substantial. Those patients admitted directly from theatre have good outcomes and low resource utilisation. Patients admitted unplanned from the ward, although fewer, were sicker, more resource intensive and had significantly worse outcomes. Make sure to read this key research article. Critical Care and Resuscitation is the official journal of the College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand. https://loom.ly/okoo3aw

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RACS has raised strong concerns in response to a proposal to change the protected title for podiatric surgery to ‘surgical podiatrist’. In its submission to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, co-signed by the Australian Orthopaedic Association, RACS says the change poses risks to public safety, patient understanding, and professional standards. It also contradicts Section 115A of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, which restricts the use of the title ‘surgeon’ to those who have completed extensive surgical training. RACS President Kerin Fielding says the legislation makes it clear that terms like ‘surgical’ or ‘surgeon’ should be reserved for those who have undergone comprehensive, medically recognised specialist surgical training. "These terms are protected by law and describe specialists who have completed rigorous, lengthy surgical education and training. Allowing non-surgical professionals to use these terms risks misleading patients about the qualifications and expertise of the person providing their care”. Read further: https://bit.ly/3CxrGZ4

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⭐ Advancements in managing spinal pain: A comprehensive approach ⭐ - A/Prof Greg Cunningham Neurospine Institute was delighted once again to write a #clinicalupdate for the March 2024 edition of Medical Forum WA. In the article, A/Prof Cunningham shared, "Spinal pain is the most prevalent musculoskeletal issue encountered by GPs, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach inclusive of physiotherapy, psychological intervention, patient education and lifestyle modifications." Please visit our website to learn more about the multidisciplinary and holistic approach that our Clinical team takes to ensure optimal patient outcomes ➡️ https://buff.ly/3T569fZ \(buff.ly/3T569fZ\)

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This #DentalHealthWeek, we focus on the unique challenges faced by rural Australians, particularly our children. With fewer dental practitioners and poorer oral health compared to urban areas, action is needed. The Department of Health and Aged Care supports extra rural health dental training places following the Senate Select Committee's report, ‘A System in Decay: A Review into Dental Services in Australia.’ We urge the government to act on these recommendations to improve dental services in rural communities. Join us in advocating for better dental care for our rural children. Together, we can ensure everyone has access to quality oral healthcare. 🦷 Learn more about dental health in rural Australia: https://lnkd.in/g8wn3NjM #DentalHealthWeek #RuralHealth #OralHealth #HealthySmiles #DentalCare #DHW2024

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