Heart failure is a significant health issue in Australia, with complex diagnostic and management methods that must be tailored to each patient. This ALM comprehensively covers the many stages of heart failure management including the identification of risk factors, diagnosis and investigations, pharmacological and non-pharmacological management, management of progression and comorbidities, the use of implantable devices and end-of-life care, and multidisciplinary care programs.
Heart failure is a significant health issue in Australia with a mortality rate comparable to the common forms of cancer, but early detection and management can significantly improve patient outcomes. This module outlines the signs and symptoms of heart failure, and the screening of individuals with increased risk factors.
This is one module in the Heart Failure in General Practice series.
Click here to view all modules in this series.
The past decade has seen rates of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and HIV increase in Australia. This education module looks at how to discuss sexual practice, STI and HIV risk with an aim to increasing STI and HIV testing in practices. A wide range of case studies also examine ways of approaching STI and HIV testing and treatment and promoting safe sexual practice using the NSW STIPU STI Testing Tool.
The educational activity discusses the role of general practitioners in contact tracing for STIs. The opportunities to initiate a discussion with patients are identified, advice provided in relation to the STIs for which contact tracing is recommended and methods to do this described. Options to assist patients with tracing sexual contacts are also described.
Advance care planning is an essential part of providing patient-centred care in line with a person's goals, beliefs and preferences, especially in later life. This module covers the key aspects of creating an advance care plan, the selection of a substitute decision-maker, and the legal frameworks surrounding advance care plans.
