Preventative Health and Screening Education Videos
Preventative Health and Screening Education Videos
National Lung Cancer Screening Program
Wednesday 11 June 2025
The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) is being implemented in Northern Sydney through a coordinated effort involving local healthcare providers, community health services and the LHD.
The program aims to increase early detection of lung cancer through regular screenings, identifying high-risk individuals and providing them with access to low-dose CT (LDCT) scans. Efforts include raising awareness about the importance of early-stage cancer diagnosis, reducing barriers to care, and ensuring equitable access to screening services. Additionally, healthcare providers are supported with guidelines and resources to manage referrals and follow-up care effectively.
The webinar includes:
- Overview of the screening program by GP Liaison Officers based at RNSH
- Discussions by a radiologist on pulmonary nodules and referral processes
- A Cardiologist discussing incidental cardiac plaques
- An Endocrinologist to discuss thyroid nodules
The PHN will provide information on enrolling eligible patients in the NLCSCP.
The session concludes with a Q&A.
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify the eligible patient cohort for National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) using the Decision Support tool
- Enrol patients into the NLCSP via the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR)
- Review the local referral and management strategies for pulmonary nodules, thyroid nodules, and cardiac plaques within the NLCSP
- Evaluate and risk stratify the results of the screening program
Speakers:
- Dr David Cosgriff – GP and GP Liaison Officer at RNSH
- Dr Caroline Guirgis – GP and GP Liaison Officer at RNSH
- Radiologist – Dr Sally Ayesa
- Endocrinologist – Dr Venessa Tsang
Immunisation Webinar: Winter Preparedness 2025
Monday 31 March 2025
This recording is designed for General Practitioners, Practice Nurses, Pharmacists, Nurse Immunisers, and Aged Care Nurses to update their knowledge on the NSW Immunisation Schedule, vaccine-preventable disease trends, and winter flu vaccinations. It will also cover the epidemiology of influenza and the rationale for prioritising certain populations for vaccination.
Additionally, the webinar will review changes in the 2025 RSV, COVID, and Influenza immunisations, describe severe clinical manifestations of these diseases, and evaluate the role of immunisation in preventing severe outcomes. This will help healthcare professionals manage and prevent severe cases in their practice.
Target Audience: General Practitioners, Practice Nurses, Pharmacists, Nurse Immunisers and Aged Care Nurses working in the Sydney North Primary Health Network region
Learning Outcomes:
- Analyse the epidemiology of influenza infection and the rationale for targeted vaccination priority populations
- Review, interpret and adapt to changes in the 2025 RSV, Covid and Influenza immunisations
- Describe the severe clinical manifestations of influenza/RSV/COVID
- Evaluate the role of immunisation in preventing severe outcomes of influenza/RSV/COVID
Speakers:
- Suraj Aswani, CNC Immunisation Coordinator, Northern Sydney Public Health Unit
- Dr Kavita Sen, Registrar, Northern Sydney Public Health Unit
More Information:
HealthPathways:
Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs)
Vaccination During Pregnancy and Pregnancy Planning
Vaccine Storage and Cold Chain Management
- Username: healthpathwaysNSLHD
- Password: gateway
Resources:
Immunisation Slides 2025 – Suraj Aswani
Medication Safety QI Program Outline and Documentation
Tuesday 25 March 2025
An engaging and informative session covering the following topics:
- Home Medicines Review (HMR) process
- Medication Safety Resources and Patient Information
- Barriers to uptake of Home Medicines Reviews
If you would like more information, please contact Georgette Yassa, Medication Medication Safety Pharmacist and Researcher or your Primary Care Advancement Co-ordinator at SNHN via info@snhn.org.au or phone 9432 8250
Speakers:
Georgette Yassa, Medication Medication Safety Pharmacist and Researcher, SNHN
A Comprehensive Approach to Managing Dementia and Frailty in Older Adults
Tuesday 18 March 2025
This recording considers a wholistic team approach to managing dementia in the community and supporting prevention of deteriorating health including frailty incidence.
How do we use preventative strategies such as physical activity to slow the progression of both diseases? At what stage does dementia impact the management of frailty?
Topics Covered:
- National Dementia Action Plan 2024-2034
- Managing patients with dementia and frailty
- Implementing Home Medication Reviews
- Lifestyle modifications and their impact on people with dementia and frailty
TARGET AUDIENCE:
GP’s, Practice Managers, Practice Nurses, Pharmacists and Allied Health Professionals working in General Practice in the Northern Sydney Region
Learning Outcomes:
- Analyse the impact of physical activity and lifestyle modifications at various stages of dementia, and develop comprehensive, patient-centered support plans that leverage a multidisciplinary team approach
- Evaluate and innovate clinical practices for managing this cohort
- Develop strategies for Home Medication Reviews and deprescribing
Speakers:
- Prof Maria Fiatarone Singh, Geriatrician – Maria is a geriatrician specialising in the integration of medicine, exercise physiology, and nutrition to enhance health and quality of life. She has held the John Sutton Chair of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Sydney since 1999. She has led numerous clinical trials and studies in Australia and the USA, focusing on exercise and chronic disease prevention and treatment.
- Georgette Yassa, Pharmacist
- Trina Colita, Dementia/Aged Care CNC, Northern Sydney Home Nursing Service
- Hema Patel, Primary Care Advancement Coordinator, SNHN
- Debra Clark, Aged Care Lead, SNHN
Picking the anabolic steroid user in your waiting room: Why it is important to manage and reduce harm
Wednesday 25 September 2024
Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs (PIEDs) have gained prominence in recent years, impacting both athletes and the general population. These substances, which include anabolic steroids, growth hormone, and stimulants, promise enhanced physical performance and appearance. However, their use raises significant concerns.
PIEDs’ prevalence spans diverse demographics, from competitive athletes to recreational gym-goers. Societal implications range from distorted body ideals to potential legal consequences. Health risks associated with PIEDs include cardiovascular complications, liver damage, and psychological effects.
This webinar will provide healthcare professionals with strategies that can assist in engaging in harm minimisation conversations with patients, considering cultural nuances and individual needs. Resources such as the PIEDs Guide and Quick Reference Guide can provide advice to guide patients effectively and allow for collaboration with fellow professionals, establishing clear professional boundaries ensuring ethical, legal, and patient-centered decision-making.
Learning Outcomes:
- Examine the prevalence and impact of Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs (PIEDs) use including spread, societal implications, and potential health risks
- Initiate harm minimisation conversations with patients, creating effective communication strategies, considering cultural implications and individual needs
- Utilise the PIEDs Guide and Quick Reference Guide when advising patients and collaborating with other healthcare professionals
- Establish professional boundaries and safety measures when making informed treatment decisions considering ethical, legal, and patient-centered perspectives
Speakers:
Dr Beng Eu | GP
Dr Kevin Lee | Endocrinologist
Dr Esther Han | Addiction Specialist
Resources:
SNHN Steroid Harm Minimisation Guide – Click here
Dr Beng Eu and Dr Kevin Lee Presentation – Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs Presentation – Click here
10 Strategies for Earlier and Better Detection of Dementia
Thursday 19 September 2024
The prevalence of dementia is rising in Australia, and early intervention can reduce its impact and improve quality of life.
This webinar will cover the importance of early diagnosis and the role of the healthcare team in detection and management of dementia, and will review modifiable risk factors and lifestyle factors.
Learning Outcomes:
- Discuss the importance of early diagnosis of MCI and dementia for effective treatment
- Consider the role of the multidisciplinary team in detection and management of MCI and dementia
- Provide a brief summary of evidence for modifiable risk factors for dementia
- Importance of lifestyle factors for the prevention of Alzheimers Disease
Speakers:
Professor Sue Kurrle AO MBBS PhD
Professor Sue Kurrle is a geriatrician and academic specialising in the care of older people. She holds the Curran Chair in Health Care of Older People at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine and Health. With over 35 years of clinical experience at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital and 16 years at Batemans Bay and Moruya Hospitals, her expertise spans dementia, frailty, elder abuse, successful aging, and intergenerational programs.
Professor Kurrle leads the Cognitive Decline Partnership Centre, focusing on translating research into clinical practice to improve care for older adults. She has also been an advisor and commentator for the Emmy Award-winning ABC series “Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds”.
Resources:
Presentation – Strategies for earlier detection of dementia PHN Sept 2024
HIV Prevention: Prep Prescribing in General Practice
Thursday 12 September 2024
HIV prevention through PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) prescribing is an important preventative health measure. .PrEP is part of primary care. This webinar covers identifying at-risk individuals for contracting HIV, and how to discuss PrEP prescribing and follow up, including when to refer to specialist care (eg sexual health clinic).
Rationale: PrEP reduces the risk of contracting HIV from sex by about 99% and by about 74% from injecting drug use https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/risk/prep/index.html
TARGET AUDIENCE: GPs, Nurses, Allied Health Professionals, Pharmacists, Specialists and Staff working in the Northern Sydney PHN Region.
Learning Outcomes:
- Analyse the role of STI screening guideline that include HIV and syphilis screening in prescribing PrEP
- Examine the factors that influence the timing of HIV testing, including risk behaviours, demographic factors, and clinical indicators when prescribing PrEP
- Identify the characteristics of patient groups at high risk for HIV. Consider epidemiological data, behavioural factors, and social determinants of health.
- Analyse the challenges and opportunities of prescribing PrEP in a general practice setting. Consider patient education, adherence, and follow-up care.
Speakers:
Dr Nicole Gouda – GP
Dr Catriona Ooi – Sexual Health Specialist
Resources:
Decision making in PrEP – https://ashm.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Resource_ASHM_PrEP_Tool_National_FINAL-October-2021.pdf
PrEP guidelines – https://prepguidelines.com.au/
University of Liverpool HIV drug interactions – https://www.hiv-druginteractions.org/
Standard Asymptomatic STI guidelines – https://sti.guidelines.org.au/standard-asymptomatic-checkup/
Anabolic Steroids The appeal, risks and treatment decisions
Thursday 21 March 2024
Many people that use, or are considering use of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) don’t often reveal that fact to their GP, but it’s vital they feel comfortable to do so. This webinar will address primary and secondary motivations for anabolic steroid use, and how a GP can respond to engage these patients safely.
Speakers explore models by which anabolic steroids users can engage with our health system and guides on how to provide tailored treatment and/or harm reduction advice to this patient group.
Content builds on the locally developed GP Guide to harm minimisation for patients using non-prescribed anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and other performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs) that is internationally regarded as a trusted source of information on this topic.
Learning Outcomes:
- Define the appeal of anabolic steroid use
- Design treatment plans to mitigate the effect of anabolic steroid use on our health system and patients, including use from an early age with potential lifelong comorbidity management.
- Examine effective approaches to patient care and redefining life after steroids
- Develop trust with the patient and use a harm minimisation approach to manage Post Cycle Therapy risks and benefits
Speakers:
Dr James Ibrahim – General Practitioner
James is a GP and Practice Owner of the Terry Hills Medical Centre. He is also the founder and inaugural chair of the Social Prescribing Specific Interest Group in the RACGP.
Current positions include:
-GP Clinical Lead in Alcohol and Other Drugs, SNPHN
-Clinical Advisory Council, SNPHN
-GP advisor to the Victorian DOH Social Prescribing Working Group
Dr Ingrid Havnes – Psychiatrist, MD, PHD
Our special guest Dr Ingrid Havnes is joining us all the way from Norway. Ingrid is a specialist in psychiatry and general practice, a researcher and senior consultant at Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital. She brings international expertise from a country where people who use anabolic-androgenic steroids have rights to treatment. Ingrid has extensive experience on educating people who use anabolic-androgenic steroids, their next of kin, and health professionals about desired/undesired effects, and treatment options.
Head & Neck cancer update
Monday 18 December 2023
This webinar will provide information and updates regarding Head and Neck Cancer, including up to date research on preventative strategies, diagnosis, investigations and management. This session will raise awareness among GPs to appropriately examine patients with suspected cancer, order relevant investigations and forward urgent referrals. Information will also be provided regarding the processes for patients with Head and Neck cancer from diagnosis to cure, as well as potential long term side effects of treatment that may present in the GP setting.
Learning Outcomes:
- Recognise current opinions and updates regarding the diagnosis, investigations and management of Head and Neck Cancer.
- Risk stratify and clinically examine patients with suspected Head and Neck cancer, order appropriate investigations and arrange urgent referrals
- Implement preventative strategies and early detection/screening programs to potentially improve survival outcomes
- Recognise the potential long term side effects of Head and Neck cancer treatment
Speakers:
Dr Leo Pang, Bsc (Med) MB BS FRACS, Consultant Adult and Paediatric ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon, VMO and Head & Neck Surgeon, RNS Hospital Head & Neck Cancer MDT
Dementia in Primary Care – Detection, Management and Latest Advances
Wednesday 9 August 2023
This webinar focuses on the Detection, Management and the Latest Advances in Dementia, presented by Professor Henry Brodaty, an internationally recognised authority on ageing and dementia.
Prof Brodaty discusses the diagnosis and management pathway, including the challenges faced in primary care, and provides an update on the latest advances in treatment options.
Learning Outcomes:
- Recognise the importance of a timely diagnosis and the barriers to diagnosis
- Identify cognitive concerns in general practice
- Establish and implement effective management plans
- Examine latest advances in dementia treatments
- Demonstrate enhanced local dementia support health pathways
Speakers:
Scientia Professor Henry Brodaty | Scientia Professor of Ageing and Mental Health, University of NSW; Consultant Psychogeriatrician, Aged Care Psychiatry and Head of the Memory Disorders Clinic, Prince of Wales Hospital.
Scientia Professor of Ageing and Mental Health, Co-Director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, UNSW.
As well as being a prolific researcher, Henry is a senior psychogeriatrician within Aged Care Psychiatry and Head of the Memory Disorders Clinic at Prince of Wales Hospital.
He is a member of the Expert Advisory Panel for NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Care and has served on several New South Wales and Commonwealth committees related to ageing and dementia.
Let’s Get to the Bottom of IAD and PI’s in Aged Care
Thursday 8 June 2023
This webinar is designed to help you understand the implications of pressure injuries(PI’s) and incontinence associated dermatitis (IAD) and how these apply to the new Department of Health and Aged Care quality indicators introduced on the 1st April 2023.
In this webinar, participants will:
• Find out more about the scope of the problem in aged care
• Identify the difference between IAD and PIs
• Learn about prevention and management strategies for IAD
Speakers:
Dr Michelle Gibb | Founder and Director of Wound Specialist Services
Michelle is a nationally and internationally recognised wound expert and nurse leader with a passion for improving patient outcomes. Michelle has a Doctor of Philosophy, Masters of Nursing Science (Nurse Practitioner), Masters of Wound Care, Bachelor of Nursing and almost 20 years’ career experience in the specialty of wounds in a range of health service contexts. Michelle is a key opinion leader in the specialty of wounds and is dedicated to improving patient outcomes through her caring and compassionate approach combined with advanced skills gained through extensive experience and education.
Aging Successfully – HEALTHY, ACTIVE AND CONNECTED EXPO 2023
Thursday 11 May 2023
Speakers:
Prof Sue Kurrle | Geriatrician
More Information:
Powerpoint Presentation: Aging Successfully
Resources:
Powerpoint Presentation: Aging Successfully, by Prof Sue Kurrle
2022 Primary Health Care Symposium: Primary Healthcare – Better Together!
Thursday 10 November 2022
Through an expert panel discussion facilitated by Dr Norman Swan, viewers will explore where primary care is currently, where we are heading and the importance of an integrated, multidisciplinary system.
A series of video vignettes shares examples of how Sydney North Health Network is working together in Integration, Primary Care and Community
Learning Outcomes:
- Recognise the importance of an integrated system for enhanced primary care
- Explore what the future of primary health care could look like
- Recognise the role of innovation, multidisciplinary care, and prevention within primary care
Speakers:
- Facilitator: Dr Norman Swan – Health Journalist, Broadcaster and Commentator
- Ros Knight – Clinical Psychologist
- Dr Luke Morphett – General Practitioner
- Matthew Burton – Pharmacist
- Kerry McBride – Practice Nurse
MBS item numbers for Older Persons in the community including Case Conferencing
Wednesday 19 October 2022
Aimed at providing an overview of the Benefits to patient outcomes of using case conferencing and the MBS items available to support and provide care to the elderly population (living in the community, not those in residential aged care).
The MBS items discussed include:
- 75+ Health assessments- full comprehensive review of patient’s health, social, mental and physical health
- Care plans and team care arrangements- plans to provide appropriate referrals to allied health workers
- Home medication reviews- full review of medications to prevent any hospital risks due to medication mismanagement
- Case conferencing- service provision of multidisciplinary team meetings to work collaboratively to ensure best outcomes for patients
- DVA specific programs such as Coordinated Veterans Care Program and Allied health cycles of care- both of which are aimed at reducing hospital admission and support provision
- Mental Health Plans- the provision of a mental health plan to access psychological services in the elderly who may be suffering from any type of mental health condition (depression most common)
All of these programs focus on identifying health concerns within the elderly and providing support through referrals to allied health services appropriate to the person’s needs.
GPs and Practice Nurses/Support staff will learn how to make time to ‘book in case conferencing’ to utilise item numbers and improve patient outcomes.
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify and manage a patient or group of patents that is making recurrent presentations to hospital (ED) through available support services
- Utilise appropriate MBS item number/s to ensure provision of support through referrals to allied health services appropriate to the patients’ needs
- identifying health concerns within the elderly through better understanding of MBS item numbers
- Outline effective referral pathways and options to ensure continuity of patient care
Speakers:
Wendy O’Meara | Primary Health Education Consultant
Resources:
Elderly Australians MBS Presentation
Desktop Guide to Chronic Disease Management and MBS Item Numbers
Video categories
- Aged Care
- Alcohol and Other Drugs
- Antenatal Care
- Cancer
- Chronic Disease
- Climate Health
- Cultural Training
- Digital Health
- Disability
- Domestic Violence
- Falls Prevention
- Health Professional Wellbeing
- Immunisation
- Mental Health
- Nursing
- Paediatrics
- Palliative Care
- Practice Support
- Preventative Health and Screening
- Wellbeing