Saturday, 1 August 2026
Victorian GPs advocate at Parliament, Digital app aids chronic pain management, High-THC cannabis safety concerns
- 01
Victorian GPs Engage Politicians at GPs@Parliament Event
GPs conducted health checks and advocated for general practice directly with Victorian politicians during the GPs@Parliament event. The initiative aimed to foster discussions about the role of GPs in preventive care and chronic disease management, especially in light of the recent change in state leadership. RACGP Victoria Deputy Co-Chair Dr Aadhil Aziz emphasised the cost-effectiveness of general practice and outlined key election asks, including payroll tax exemptions for GPs and expanded prescribing rights. The event provided an opportunity for GPs to address critical issues and seek improved healthcare access for Victorians.
via RACGP newsGP
- 02
Digital health trial shows promise for chronic pain management
A University of Queensland-led study has demonstrated that a mobile app can empower patients in managing chronic pain by allowing them to conduct structured self-trials. The StudyU pilot enabled patients to track symptoms, compare interventions, and generate reports for their GPs, enhancing personalised care. Participants reported a greater sense of control, with some continuing to use the app beyond the study. The pilot revealed strong interest from both clinicians and patients, indicating potential for integrating digital health tools into general practice for chronic pain management.
via RACGP newsGP
- 03
High-THC cannabis products raise safety concerns, review finds
A rapid review published in Drug and Alcohol Review found that high-THC cannabis products, which account for nearly half of unapproved medicinal cannabis applications to the TGA, lack evidence for safety or efficacy at concentrations above 22%. The review screened 9969 studies but included only 15, with adverse events linked to total THC dose rather than concentration. Concerns from the AMA Queensland and other medical bodies highlight inadequate TGA regulations and the potential for increased THC-induced psychosis. The TGA is under pressure to reform its unapproved medicinal cannabis framework, with a noted decline in cannabis units sold following recent regulatory crackdowns.
- 04
GP workforce gap narrows in rural Queensland
General practitioners have fallen to the sixth-most-needed health professionals in rural and remote Queensland, according to the latest Health Workforce Queensland needs assessment report. This shift is attributed to increased GP training incentives and a surge in the number of doctors entering training. The report indicates that allied health and mental health roles now dominate workforce shortage concerns, with speech pathologists and psychologists topping the list. Townsville GP Associate Professor Michael Clements noted that the reduction in GP pressure reflects improved recruitment and retention in rural communities.
- 05
HotDoc founder steps down; interim CEO appointed
Dr Ben Hurst has stepped down as CEO of HotDoc, the online booking platform used by approximately two-thirds of GPs in Australia, after 14 years at the helm. Venture capitalist David Parfett, who has been on the HotDoc board for three years, will serve as interim CEO. Hurst will remain with the company as an advisor and “Chief Champion.” He cited a lack of energy for the CEO role as a reason for his departure, while Parfett aims to maintain continuity during the transition.
- 06
New Alzheimer’s blood test approved for clinical trials
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has authorised Roche Diagnostics to supply the phosphorylated tau 217 (pTau217) blood test for Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers, which can detect pathology up to 20 years before symptoms appear. While currently approved only for clinical trials, this test aims to improve diagnostic specificity for patients with cognitive symptoms. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler described the test as a significant advancement in early detection. The Asia-Pacific Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis will process the test, with plans for it to be included in the Medicare Benefits Schedule in the future.
via RACGP newsGP
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.