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  • Connect

    Issue 18

  • In our latest edition of Connect magazine we look at getting back on track as we move to a new norm of ‘living with COVID’.

    We examine the challenges that lie ahead, such as getting patients back into practice to minimise the potential consequences of delayed screenings, health checks and follow ups.

    In addition, there are case studies, profiles and articles offering best practice insights to help you in your professional and personal lives.

    Download PDF >>


    Welcome

    Getting back on track
    Dr Beverley Rowbotham - Chair, Avant

     
    Dr Beverley Rowbotham  

    Avant’s Chair, Dr Beverley Rowbotham introduces Connect and examines what the new normal will look like as it starts to take shape. Encouraging patients back into the practice will play a key role in getting back on track after two years of living with the pandemic.

     

    Improving conditions for healthcare workers

     
    Dr Laksmi Sakura Govindasamy  

    Our cover features Dr Laksmi Sakura Govindasamy, an emergency medicine trainee and public health physician, who worked in the public health response and emergency department during COVID. She shares her view on some lessons coming from her experience.

    Coming out of COVID

    Resuming preventative care
    Dr Michael Wright – Chief Medical Officer, Avant

     
    Resuming preventative care  

    Resuming routine care, such as regular cancer screening and managing chronic health, will be key priorities for doctors. Avant’s new Chief Medical Officer offers insight on ways to re-establish that vital personal connection that exists between doctors and patients.

     

    Embedding telehealth
    Rocky Ruperto – Legal and Policy Officer, Avant

     
    Embedding telehealth  

    Prior to COVID, no one could have predicted that face-to-face patient consultations will be an exception and telehealth the norm for many doctors. Since telehealth has now become a permanent fixture, we look at the guidelines and requirements to take into consideration.

     

    Managing patients’ new expectations
    Dr Patrick Clancy – Senior Medical Adviser, Avant

     
    Managing patients’ new expectations

    Adapting to the changes brought on by COVID has meant patients are also seeing things differently. What was considered convenient during the pandemic must now be managed on a case by case basis. What does this mean in your day-to-day operations and how can you effectively manage patients?

    Case studies

    Coroner highlights fixated thinking behind tragedy
    Emma Winch – Solicitor, Avant Law

     
    Coroner highlights fixated thinking behind tragedy

    Doctors are often required to make calls in stressful situations, but sometimes important clinical signs are missed. An anaesthetic team working in a high-pressure operating theatre which ended in the unexpected death of a toddler is a reminder to be mindful of fixated thinking in emergency situations within treatment teams.

     

    Faxing error leads to privacy breach
    Peter Harris - Associate, Avant Law

     
    Faxing error leads to privacy breach

    A case where multiple medical records were faxed to a wrong number, reminds both doctors and practices to consider more secure methods of communication, when sending private patient information.

     

    ‘Strange examination’ results in patient complaint
    Dr Peter Henderson – General Manager, Medical Advisory Services, Avant

    ‘Strange examination’ results in patient complaint

    While physical examinations may be necessary for a correct diagnosis, they can be uncomfortable for the patient. Despite the doctor having done everything correctly, this can still lead to a complaint and is a reminder to communicate openly and effectively.

     

    GP suspended after ignoring prescribing red flags
    Ruanne Brell – Senior Legal Adviser, Medico-legal Advisory Service, Avant

    GP suspended after ignoring prescribing red flags

    Complex legal requirements when prescribing drugs of dependence and pressure from patients can create the perfect storm for doctors, which is a reminder to refresh your knowledge and sharpen your prescribing practices and provide these medications safely.

    Insights

    Don’t let a natural disaster be a financial one
    Michael Loughman – Chief Executive Officer, Avant Financial Services

    Don’t let a natural disaster be a financial one

    The past two years of living with the pandemic has taught us the value in being prepared for any event, which includes financial preparedness. While it is hard to prevent natural or financial disasters, you can prepare for them and other unexpected incidents, to minimise the impact.

     

    Making a good diagnosis
    Dr David Pakchung – Head of Practice – Civil Claims, Avant

     
    Making a good diagnosis

    Wrongly diagnosing a patient is one of the biggest concerns for doctors, where an estimated 140,000 people have medical issues misdiagnosed in Australia every year. Picking up on red flags and signs of uncertainty can help you avoid diagnostic errors.

     

    Private health insurance after a pandemic
    Peter Aroney - Chief Executive Officer, Doctors’ Health Fund

    Private health insurance after a pandemic

    Looking to what life might be like once COVID is no longer at pandemic proportions, the private health industry must stay alert to the opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead. This is our perspective on these issues.

    Improving healthcare

    Doctors are not invincible
    Dr Rosa Canalese – Senior Medical Adviser, Avant

     
    Doctors are not invincible  

    In a high-stress occupation such as medicine, it’s no surprise that doctors face issues such as burnout and struggling with work-life balance. We dispel some of the myths associated with doctors seeking treatment and the stigma associated, because anyone can be susceptible to mental health challenges.

     

    The pneumonia checklist

     
    The pneumonia checklist  

    Avant Foundation revisits the progress of research by Professor Kumar Visvanathan, who received the Avant Foundation grant in 2018 for his application on investigating the accuracy of pneumonia diagnosis in ED.

     

    Healthcare for the homeless

     
    Healthcare for the homeless  

    Street Side Medics is a wonderful example of the altruism of doctors. The brainchild of Young Australian of the Year, Dr Daniel Nour, who founded the not-for-profit organisation, it delivers a mobile primary healthcare service to people who are vulnerable or experiencing homelessness.

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IMPORTANT: Professional indemnity insurance and the Practice Medical Indemnity Policy available from Avant Mutual Group Limited ABN 58 123 154 898 (Avant Mutual) are issued by Avant Insurance Limited, ABN 82 003 707 471, AFSL 238 765 (Avant). Avant Cyber Insurance cover is available to eligible Avant Practice Medical Indemnity Policy holders up to the cessation of their policy and is provided under a Group Policy between Liberty Mutual Insurance Company ABN 61 086 083 605 (Liberty) and Avant. Private health insurance products are issued by The Doctors’ Health Fund Pty Limited, ABN 68 001 417 527, a member of the Avant Mutual Group. Avant arranges Avant Business Insurance as agent of the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850, AFSL 234 708 (Allianz) and may receive a commission on each policy arranged. Avant Travel Cover is available under a Group Policy between QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited, ABN 78 003 191 035, AFSL 239 545 (QBE) and Avant Mutual. Avant Travel Cover is underwritten by QBE and Avant may receive a benefit for arranging cover.

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