Did you know?
- 25.9 per cent of adults over 16 drink alcohol at levels which puts their health at risk (compared to 22.1 per cent across NSW)
- More people are misusing pharmacy medications across Australia, with a large increase in men aged 30 to 39 years and women aged 40 to 49 years
- Methamphetamine related hospitalisations have risen
- Cannabis and binge drinking are the main concern in young people
- People who use drug and alcohol are more likely to experience a mental health problem
Source: Drug and Alcohol Needs Assessment in 2016
One of SWSPHN’s key priorities is to reduce the impacts of Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) use on the South Western Sydney community.
With this goal in mind, we commission a range of AOD treatment services and work with the local AOD sector, GPs and community to co-design services which are tailored to the unique needs of our community.
Another important feature of SWSPHN’s work in this area, is the support and education we provide to local primary carers.
This month Under the Microscope looks at some of the ways in which we work with general practices in South Western Sydney to improve their care of patients with AOD concerns.
GP Drug and Alcohol Advice and Support Service
SWSPHN works with South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) to provide the GP Drug and Alcohol Advice and Support Service.
The service includes:
- Direct real-time access to local drug health clinicians. Further input can be sought from medical specialists as required.
- Available weekdays 9am to 5pm (excluding public holidays)
- Advice on clinical issues, from screening through to management and referral pathways
GP AOD Advice and Support Helpline: 0455 079 436
The 5As framework
There is evidence Australian GPs may not be identifying up to 70 per cent of risky/high-risk drinkers. To support early intervention, SWSPHN supports GPs to use the 5As framework which encourages screening assessment and brief intervention, and has been proven as an effective approach.
The framework provides health professionals with an evidence-based approach to identifying and supporting high-risk behaviours. The 5As consist of:
- Ask: systematic identification of risk factors
- Assess: multiple risk, readiness to change, health literacy
- Advise/Agree: tailored information, motivational interviewing, goal setting
- Assist: referral to intensive intervention
- Arrange: follow up, maintenance
AOD localised HealthPathways have been developed to help guide health professionals in providing appropriate care through clinical referral pathways and support services. The service directory of local AOD support services can also help support GPs with the implementation of the 5As framework.
Tools for implementing 5As:
- Screening:
- HealthPathways
Learning opportunities
SWSPHN works with the AOD sector to develop suitable educational opportunities for primary carers to increase their skills, knowledge and confidence in managing patients with substance abuse issues. Visit our CPD events page.
The Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) requires medical practitioners to become accredited OTP prescribers by completing the Opioid Treatment Accreditation Course (OTAC). All patients must be initiated and stabilised on the OTP by an accredited prescriber before they can be transferred to the care of a non-accredited provider.
Download a form to apply for authorisation
Other helpful resources for primary carers
- AOD Services Brochure – Information for GPs and Health Professionals
- NSW Opioid Treatment Program
- NSW Clinical Guidelines: Treatment of Opioid Dependence
- Brief intervention for substance abuse (WHO)
- Alcohol Screening and brief interventions in primary care (RACGP)
- Managing Co-occurring Alcohol and Other Drugs and Mental Health Conditions Guidelines (DoH)
- Drug and Alcohol Advisory Service (DASAS)