23 August Why consulting Dr Google first could be a good thing August 23, 2018 By Communication, Research Medical Journal of Australia, MJA 0 New research, published in the Medical Journal of Australia, has found consulting ‘Dr Google’ before presenting at the emergency department could improve interactions between patients and their treating physician. Although patients have not been encouraged to look up their illness or symptoms online, this new study indicates it can be very beneficial - and health care providers should not be concerned this could interfere with treatment. The study was conducted by means of a survey of 400 adult patients who presented at emergency departments at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne and Austin Health between 1 February and 31 May last year. Co-author of the study, Dr Anthony Cocco, advises patients to opt for more eputable websites " like the Better Health Channel, or the Royal Children’s Hospital Guidelines". But with that proviso, he says that "[researching beforehand] is helping them to express what they are feeling to the doctors and ask questions so we are able to have an informed discussion." Read More ... Related Articles Following review, TGA removes some brands of face masks from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods First Online Survey – Painaustralia National Action Plan The Australian Government recently announced funding for Painaustralia to develop a National Action Plan on Chronic Pain Management. The National Action Plan is a critical and overdue step towards improving quality of life for the millions of Australians who live with chronic pain (daily pain that lasts three months or longer) and reducing the burden of pain which is increasingly impacting families, communities and the economy. The Plan will set out key priority areas and measures to improve access to, and knowledge of, best practice pain management in the next three to five years. AAPM HR Advisory Service: What is a day? How Cadbury workers win for sick leave could impact Australian employers There has been a recent decision which poses some interesting questions in relation to how personal/carer’s leave is accrued for employees working longer than the “standard” day. Advice re fraudulent request for removal of National Immunisation Program posters from general practices The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has strict processes in place for regulating site visits and authorised officers from the TGA will present photographic identification cards on entering the site. How GPs can help combat Australia’s second biggest cancer killer Australia’s first major national mass media campaign promoting bowel cancer screening launches. Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): Guide to Health Privacy The OAIC has released a comprehensive Guide to Health Privacy for all health service providers covered by the Privacy Act 1988. Comments are closed.