ePulse Archives

Tuesday, 25 November 2008

News

• Medical Council election for four candidates
• GPs trusted referees for Births, Deaths and Marriages
• Insurance Invoices

We need your input

Sector

• The Future of the Medical Workforce
• Maternity Action Plan consultation
• PHARMAC consultations
• Draft New Zealand Ambulance Service Strategy
   

Vacancies & appointments

• Pinnacle Group Medical Advisor(s)
• Raumati Road Surgery, Kapiti Coast
• Greymouth Medical Centre
• HELLO: Inpatient psychiatric service
  
• Online peer group

Research

• Otago trialling Recovery via Internet from Depression

Wonca Daily Alerts

CME

Conferences

 

News

College

Visiting scholar to call on College
Professor Amanda Howe, a visiting scholar from the UK, is to meet with College CEO and staff tomorrow.

Message

• trends in undergraduate medical education in the UK
• Developing communities of practice
• Who teaches?
• The role of patients in facilitating learning
• The role of GPs in facilitating learning
• Fitness to practice - developing and assessing professionalism. 

Professor Howe also has experience in Community Medical Schools and teaching therein. She is to lecture at the Wellington Clinical School tomorrow:  "Who teaches?  Evidence from innovative community based learning for health professionals" . 

 

GPLF CEOs meet
Chief Executive Karen Thomas hosted a regular meeting of the GPLF CEOs today.

Sector

Medical Council election for four candidates
The Medical Council of New Zealand is currently holding a vote to choose four medical practitioners as nominees to the Council, a chance for the profession to be involved in the governance of the Council as its regulatory body.
The names of the four highest polling candidates will be forwarded by the chair of the Council to the Minister of Health with a recommendation that they be appointed as members of the Council for a three year term from 1 July 2009. The new Minister, Tony Ryall, indicated last week he will appoint the successful candidates.
Voting papers must be received by noon on Friday, 20 March 2009. More information about the election including the nomination form can be viewed at
http://www.mcnz.org.nz/portals/0/news/889791_Election%20Nomination%20Booklet_Web.pdf
The rules of the election can be viewed here
http://www.mcnz.org.nz/portals/0/news/Rules_for_the_election_of_Medical_Practitioners.pdf.

GPs trusted referees for Births, Deaths and Marriages
Legislation comes into effect on 25 January 2009, which changes the way people access registered birth, death, marriage, civil union and name change information.  People “…must provide a Registrar with any means of identification that are reasonably necessary to allow the identity of the person… to be readily ascertained”.  Older records, though, may be accessed without providing identification.
From 25 January 2009 the Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry within the Department of Internal Affairs intend to include Registered Medical Doctors in the group of trusted referees that may sign a written statement verifying the identity of an applicant requesting access to BDM information.  This role is an extension of the current service that Doctors similarly perform for the Passports Office of the Department of Internal Affairs.
It is at the trusted referee’s discretion to sign a written statement on any request and the standard of proof required by the trusted referee is to “the best of my knowledge” or that “I am satisfied”.
The new legislation also includes penalties for making a false statement, or presenting any false means of identification in order to obtain information from the registers.  The penalty on conviction is a term of imprisonment not exceeding three months or a fine not exceeding $10,000, or both.
Detailed instructions are included on the order forms, which are being designed at the moment.
For further information visit www.bdm.govt.nz

 

Insurance Invoices
A common complaint by Doctors invoicing insurers is that they sometimes have difficulty getting insurers to pay their invoice. They also complain that some insurers in fact attempt to preset the fee before the work is done.

As members will be aware, the NZMA has always maintained that a doctor has the right to determine the fee which should be commensurate with the time and effort involved in meeting the request.

At a recent meeting between insurers, the RNZCGP, and the NZMA this issue was discussed.  The message from the insurance industry was that it was prepared to pay a reasonable fee provided invoices were annotated in a way to show what work the Practice had done.  It advised that the invoices the insurers tended to query were high fees where it appeared that the doctor had simply sent a print out of the patient’s notes.  If the invoice stated that time was spent – for example – reading through the notes or otherwise preparing the information sent to the insurer however the insurer would have a better basis for assessing the “reasonableness” of the fee.

Our advice to members is that Doctors should charge a reasonable fee commensurate with the amount of time involved, and that in rendering their invoice they should provide some detail on what work this involved.

Jonathan Fox, President, RNZCGP

Back to top

We need your input

College

The Future of the Medical Workforce
The Medical Training Board has released three reports on medical training and the medical workforce. These documents address issues such as

• future need for medical practitioners, and how this need should be determined
• how training posts should be aligned with the future need for particular specialties, including general practice
•  the number of medical students
•  what should be learnt and what level of responsibility should be taken on in the trainee intern and house surgeon years.
  
  An overview document is available at http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagesmh/8413/$File/overview.pdf

The three MTB documents are;
Integrated and Coordinated Medical Training:
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagesmh/8413/$File/integrated-coordinated-medical-training-v3.pdf
The Curriculum Framework:
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagesmh/8413/$File/MTB+Curriculum+Framework+26+Sept.pdf
The Future of the Medical Workforce
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagesmh/8413/$File/futureofworkforce.pdf

The College is preparing a response to these proposals. Members comments on any of these issues is sought and can be sent to policy@rnzcgp.org.nz by 4 December 2008.

Closing 12 December 2008
Maternity Action Plan consultation
The Ministry of Health has released the Maternity Action Plan for consultation. It is available at http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/draft-maternity-action-plan-2008-2012-oct08.  The College will be making a written submission. Feedback can be emailed to policy@rnzcgp.org.nz by 12 December. 

 

Sector

PHARMAC have issued the  following three consultations.
Responses are due by 27 and 28 November.
Proposal for funding methylphenidate and clozapine
Proposal to fully fund hyoscine (scopolamine) patches
Proposal relating to filgrastim, midazolam, mycophenolate mofetil and pegfilgrastim
Further details and instructions for feedback is available at  http://www.pharmac.govt.nz/consultation Should you consider that there are issues contained in these consultation which require a College rather than individual response please email policy@rnzcgp.org.nz

Closing 5 December
Draft New Zealand Ambulance Service Strategy
The new National Ambulance Sector Office (NASO), a joint venture between the Ministry of Health and ACC, has released a draft New Zealand Ambulance Strategy which is intended to build on the positive elements that already exist in the New Zealand Ambulance Service and position the Service as the first line of emergency intervention in the continuum of health care.  Three goals and 10 initiatives are proposed.
The College plans a submission – write to us here policy@rnzcgp.org.nz
Find the draft strategy at http://www.naso.govt.nz/consultation/ 

Back to top

Vacancies & appointments

Pinnacle Group Medical Advisor(s)
Share in the excitement of developing new & sustainable models of general practice for the future! PGL is looking for a practicing GP or GPs to fill a full time position as Medical Advisor. More info in pdf

Raumati Road Surgery, Kapiti Coast
Experienced GP required (part or full-time): must be dedicated to excellence of service, and be motivated by providing continuity of care and positive health outcomes. More info in pdf.
Contact: Dr Ruth Brown on (04) 298-6807 or raumatiroadsurgery@paradise.net.nz.

Greymouth Medical Centre
Two positions available (full-time and full-time fixed term for 2 years) This is a unique opportunity if you are passionate about health care in a semi-rural environment!". More info in pdf

HELLO: Inpatient psychiatric service
I am a GP providing primary care within an inpatient psychiatric service.  I would be interested to have contact with any other GPs in similar situations to discuss mutual challenges. email emma.dunning@ccdhb.org.nz

Online peer group
Semirural GP wishes to explore formation of an online peer group. Expressions of interest, or suggestions please to amcdougall@phoenixhc.co.nz

Back to top

Research

Otago trialling Recovery via Internet from Depression
The Injury Prevention Research Unit (IPRU) at the University of Otago is currently undertaking  the RID trial (Recovery via Internet from Depression) to test whether a set of web-based self-help programmes can help to reduce depression in New Zealand.
The RID programmes are designed to help people manage their depression by providing relevant information and/or working through a number of exercises on the internet.  They are best suited for people who currently do not have a formal treatment plan to manage their depression or anxiety.
The recent New Zealand Mental Health Survey Report highlighted that up to one in five women and one in ten men have experienced a range of depression symptoms in their lifetime.  About half the number of people in that group are not known to any health services. 
If you are interested in the trial or know of others who might be, please visit the trial web site http://www.otago.ac.nz/rid  for full information and the online application for enrolment.  Electronic copies of a poster and flyer are available from http://www.otago.ac.nz/rid/thetrial

 

Back to top 

Wonca Daily Alerts

Back to top

CME

 

Goodfellow Symposium 2009

‘Mastering the Knowledge Mountain’, 27-29 March in Auckland. The theme  will explore effective ways of learning and demonstrate interactive ways to stay up to date.
Keynote and Opening Speakers:

• Professor Richard Gunderman - Professor of Radiology, Pediatrics, Medical Education, Philosophy, Liberal Arts, and Philanthropy at Indiana University, where he is also Vice Chair of Radiology
• Dr Jane Mills - Senior Research Fellow, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University
• Jennie Vickers - JV Initiatives, a consultancy offering training, coaching and mentoring services
• Dr Glenn Colquhoun – GP, poet and children’s writer

The programme includes: An Update on Stroke, Paediatric Vignettes, Non-Accidental Injury, Interpretation of Lab Results and X-rays, Suturing, Bipolar Disorder, CBT Skills for Depression, Multiple Medication, Asthma, Managing Lifestyle Change, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, CVD Screening, Practical ENT and Hot Topics in Primary Care.
Register online or find out more at www.goodfellowsymposium.org. Early bird discounts are available until 20 February 2009. Some sessions have restricted numbers so register now for your preferred sessions.
As the Goodfellow Unit is a registered RNZCGP provider GPs are eligible for CME credits.

 

Barbara Starfield returns to lead College Quality Symposium
Two pre-eminent speakers in their field are to lead the 2009 RNZCGP Quality Symposium.

• Professor Barbara Starfield (US), is a physician and health services researcher at Johns Hopkins University School of Population Health, (Baltimore) and a commentator and leader in promoting the value of primary care information

• Dr Maureen Baker CBE (UK), the National Clinical Leader for Patient Safety from the Office of the Chief Clinical Officer, in the National Health Service – Connecting for Health.  Dr Baker is also the honorary secretary of the RCGP.

Together Professor Starfield and Dr Baker have expertise in understanding of health care systems, primary care quality, clinical practice, patient safety, clinical risk management and systems. (Primary care quality)

More information will be available shortly through ePulse and on the College website.
The symposium will be held on 13 & 14 February, 2009 at Te Papa, Wellington.

For further information, contact Liz Walters, or telephone 04 496 5999.

Interprofessional Education: Teaching Teamwork for the Health Sector
24 February 2009. One-day Workshop in Wellington with world experts on IPE, Professor Dawn Forman and Helena Low (CAIPE). Suitable for health educators, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, managers and funders in the health sector. For more information or to register, please go to www.uow.otago.ac.nz/IPE2009.html or contact Jeh Sie on jehsie.chan@otago.ac.nz; Ph (04) 9185629.

check magazine
check magazine offers an independent paper-based learning programme with the chance to gain endorsed CME credits while keeping up with medical developments.  Published by RACGP, each monthly issue covers a different clinical topic with a range of cases written by expert clinicians.  Each case includes a brief scenario followed by a series of questions relevant to general practice.  The December issue includes a 100-question test covering the year's topics. This test can be returned to the RNZCGP for assessment, and successful completion will enable you to earn 10 hours CME for GPEP 2 or 20 hours for MOPS.  Members who have subscribed previously have found this a useful way of keeping up-to-date with their medical knowledge.  A one-year subscription costs $337 or $88 for the December issue only.  A subscription form is available on the website at http://www.rnzcgp.org.nz/distance-options/ or by contacting bernice.obrien@rnzcgp.org.nz .  If you would like to subscribe we recommend you send your subscription to the College by 7 January 2009.

OBSTGYN 712
Want to update your knowledge in contraception, pre-and early pregnancy?
This 15 point University of Auckland course is open to doctors, nurses and midwives and will be offered in the distance learning format twice each year at the beginning of the first and second semester (02 March and 20 July 2009).  The course will involve 150 student learning hours over a 15 week period (10 study hours per week) and can be used for your own continuing education or for CME points or credits for other diplomas. This course will cover the following topics

For more detail or to register contact:
Janine Joubert, Tel. 09-373 7599 ext 89717. Email: j.joubert@auckland.ac.nz

University of Otago, Wellington
Flexible, distance taught, interdisciplinary postgraduate education
Register now for 2009.
Semester one (end February - June)
NZ Contemporary Primary Health Care
Long-term Conditions Management (I)
Travel Medicine
Semester two (July- November)
Long-term Conditions Management (II)
Sexual and Reproductive Health
Refugee and Migrant Health
Addictive Behaviour Management in Primary Care

Johanna Meaclem, Phone (04)385 5995. View our prospectus on www.wnmeds.ac.nz/postgrad_primarycare.html

Doctors for Sexual Abuse Care:
Ellert Nijenhuis, Ph.D. Dissociation of the Personality and Childhood Traumatisation: Theory, Research & Treatment
13 & 14 February 2009 - Auckland
18 & 19 February - Wellington
23 & 24 February - Christchurch
For details contact Meagan Kerr at DSAC; Phone: +64 9 376 1422, Fax: +64 9 376 0790Long-term

Back to top

Conferences

Diary these dates!
Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners Annual Scientific Conference, Wellington
9-12 September 2009

National College of Practice Nurses NZNO Annual Conference - “Outside the Square”
Convention Centre, Palmerston North, May 1-3 2009
Contact: Karen Lowe; phone 06 3568033(work), 06 3567658 (home);
email: karenlowe@cshealth.co.nz, or
Andrea Ropiha; phone 06 3568033(work)
email: ptr@clear.net.nz
WEBSITE: http://mpnc2009.scarletvault.com

 

Primary Focus3
24 – 26 February 2009, Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand.
This event focuses on:

• health promotion and population health
• the evolution of primary health care
• workforce and multi-disciplinary teams and
• innovation and the future of primary health care.

Early bird registrations close 28 November 2008. Further information from www.primaryfocus.org.nz