The third day of the nation's premier annual GP conference GP25 features prominent leaders and health experts sharing their insights on a range of matters at the forefront of general practice care.
Speakers at the conference today include Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) Senior Medical Educator and Inala Indigenous Health Service worker, Dr Justin Coleman, discussing what matters most in rural and remote general practice care. The last day of GP25 will also feature an international panel discussing lessons for the future of general practice from around the globe.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said day three of GP25 will zero in on vital areas of general practice research and environmental sustainability.
"General practice research is critical for growing the evidence base about the skills and value of general practices providing the highest standard of care," he said.
"Today will feature a 'rapid fire' session on innovation, leadership and research in general practice. Another session will delve into the latest developments on preventive care, including Dr Rebecca Moore discussing the loneliness epidemic impacting many patients, and the role of GPs in reducing dementia risk. Dr Tracey Purnell will also talk about how GPs can best help patients managing acne.
"There will be a panel session featuring Dr Kim Loo, Dr Catherine Pendrey and Dr Nicole Sleeman examining healthcare's net zero transition and how best to achieve this. The College has spoken out on the fact that climate change is the biggest current threat to the future of the Australian healthcare system, and we're committed to helping our members make general practice care as environmentally sustainable as possible."
Dr Wright said the final day of GP25 will also have a strong focus on mental health care.
"The latest RACGP Health of the Nation report revealed 71% of GPs nominated mental health as a top reason for patient presentations, up 10% since the survey began in 2017," he said.
"The last day of GP25 will see several speakers, including Professor Mark Morgan and Associate Professor Caroline Johnson, taking a close look at antidepressant medication and deprescribing in general practice.
"This is an issue that is front of mind for all GPs, particularly when you consider that around one in seven Australians take antidepressants. The withdrawal effects patients experience when they discontinue antidepressants can lead to very serious health impacts, and it's important for us to explore all avenues for making this transition as easy as possible.
"Every life matters and securing the future of general practice care not only relieves pressure on our entire healthcare system but also ensures that all people can lead the healthier lives."
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