A podcast series funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and produced by NPS MedicineWise.
Hosted by Dr Lynn Weekes, former CEO of NPS MedicineWise, this four-part podcast series explores the clinical risks associated with long-term opioid and benzodiazepine use, the importance of ensuring continuity of care for all patients, and how SafeScript is assisting clinicians to provide safer patient care.
Podcast 1 – Opioids: Helping or hindering your patient?
8 Oct 2019 | 32 min
Dr Lynn Weekes speaks with special guests A/Prof Julian Rait, President of AMA Victoria, Anthony Tassone, President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Victorian Branch and A/Prof Malcolm Hogg, pain specialist.
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GP clinical advisors – 1800 812 804
A peer-to-peer advice service for GPs to help them support patients in primary care with prescription medication concerns and complex needs.
SafeScript training
Training is available to support you in using SafeScript and responding to the needs of patients. Training attracts CPD points and covers safe supply of high-risk medicines, using respectful communication with patients and how to use SafeScript.
Primary Health Network Health Pathways
Information about Health Pathways, specific to your Primary Health Network can be found at SafeScript training .
Journal article
Krebs EE, Gravely A, Nugent S, et al. Effect of opioid vs nonopioid medications on pain-related function in patients with chronic back pain or hip or knee osteoarthritis pain: The SPACE Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2018; 319:872-82.
Podcast 2 – Managing chronic pain: Practical approaches for a complex problem
8 Oct 2019 | 21 min
Dr Lynn Weekes speaks with special guests A/Prof Yvonne Bonomo, addiction medicine specialist, Dr Ferghal Armstrong, general practitioner and A/Prof Malcolm Hogg, pain specialist.
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GP clinical advisors – 1800 812 804
A peer-to-peer advice service for GPs to help them support patients in primary care with prescription medication concerns and complex needs.
SafeScript training
Training is available to support you in using SafeScript and responding to the needs of patients. Training attracts CPD points and covers safe supply of high-risk medicines, using respectful communication with patients and how to use SafeScript.
Opioid Replacement Therapy
Information about providing opioid replacement therapy services in your medical practice or pharmacy, including application forms, training and a quick guide to prescribing buprenorphine/naloxone.
Project ECHO
Project ECHO brings specialist knowledge and support in opioid management to primary care practitioners throughout Victoria. TeleECHO sessions are free for clinicians to access, are case-based and attended by participants from across Victoria. Any health practitioner with an interest in opioid management can attend and take part in any session.
Primary Health Network Health Pathways
Information about Health Pathways, specific to your Primary Health Network can be found at SafeScript training .
Podcast 3 – Benzodiazepines: Keep calm and prescribe responsibly
8 Oct 2019 | 34 min
Dr Lynn Weekes speaks with special guests Dr Nick Carr, general practitioner, Dr Jane Anderson-Wurf, Program Support Specialist at Reconnexion, Dr Shalini Arunogiri, addiction psychiatrist and Natalie Corrigan, a consumer.
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GP clinical advisors – 1800 812 804
A peer-to-peer advice service for GPs to help them support patients in primary care with prescription medication concerns and complex needs.
SafeScript training
Training is available to support you in using SafeScript and responding to the needs of patients. Training attracts CPD points and covers safe supply of high-risk medicines, using respectful communication with patients and how to use SafeScript.
Reconnexion – 1300 273 266
Secondary consultation services are available through Reconnexion, specialising in anxiety disorders, depression and benzodiazepine dependency.
Primary Health Network Health Pathways
Information about Health Pathways, specific to your Primary Health Network can be found at SafeScript training .
Podcast 4 – Patient-centred care: An insider's view
8 Oct 2019 | 26 min
Dr Lynn Weekes speaks with special guests Jarrod McMaugh, pharmacist and President of Chronic Pain Australia, Dr Ferghal Armstrong, general practitioner and Rustie Lassam, a consumer.
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GP clinical advisors – 1800 812 804
A peer-to-peer advice service for GPs to help them support patients in primary care with prescription medication concerns and complex needs.
SafeScript training
Training is available to support you in using SafeScript and responding to the needs of patients. Training attracts CPD points and covers safe supply of high-risk medicines, using respectful communication with patients and how to use SafeScript.
Talking about pain: Language guidelines for chronic pain (2019)
Published by Pain Australia, these guidelines promote the consistent use of appropriate, inclusive and non-stigmatising language when talking or writing about chronic and persistent pain and people living with these pain conditions.
Primary Health Network Health Pathways
Information about Health Pathways, specific to your Primary Health Network can be found at SafeScript training .
Journal article
Nicolaidis, C. Police officer, deal-maker, or health care provider? Moving to a patient-centered framework for chronic opioid management. Pain Medicine, 2011; 12(6):890-897.
Reviewed 08 November 2021