Supporting GPs
The network supports GPs by:
- providing up-to-date information regarding safe prescribing of opioids, guidelines and relevant training opportunities
- facilitating professional mentoring, Communities of Practice, and clinical placements with an experienced GP in prescribing Medication-Assisted Treatment of Opioid Dependence (MATOD), also known as pharmacotherapy
- providing resources and support for practice staff
- promoting client pathways to treatment, and access to addiction medicine specialists for complex patients where there are concerns regarding opioid use and/or opioid dependence
- working to reduce stigma in general practice against alcohol and other drug-related issues.
GP mentoring and clinical placements
GPs who have completed Module 2 ‘GP MATOD Accreditation Training’ can get peer-based support and undertake a clinical placement with an experienced MATOD prescriber.
Email pharmacotherapy@cohealth.org.au for more information.
Secondary consultation
Western Health provides addiction medicine specialist support for GPs. Its secondary consultation service assists with the assessment, diagnosis and development of management plans where there are concerns about opioid dependence. The service is free, with out-post clinics conveniently located across north west metropolitan Melbourne.
Referrals can be made by standard letter head and emailed to pharmacotherapy@cohealth.org.au or faxed to (03) 7000 1822.
Training
The network promotes training for GPs to safely prescribe opioids, including buprenorphine and methadone. Training is provided by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and funded by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services.
