Tuesday, 4 August 2026
RACGP criticises home care funding, Roadmap for international medical, Outreach scholarships for LARC training
- 01
RACGP criticises Support at Home program for funding gaps
The RACGP has labelled the Federal Government's Support at Home program a ‘missed opportunity’ for failing to leverage GPs' clinical expertise in managing older patients. In a submission to a Senate inquiry, the college pointed out disparities in funding between residential care and home care, noting that GPs play a crucial role in preventing health deterioration that leads to residential care. The submission also highlighted issues such as delays in assessments, inadequate recognition of GPs' dementia diagnoses, and challenges faced by palliative patients in accessing necessary support. The RACGP made 13 recommendations for improving the program, including simplifying the application process and enhancing communication with GPs.
via RACGP newsGP
- 02
Study proposes roadmap to support international medical graduates
International medical graduates (IMGs) make up about two thirds of Australia’s rural general practice workforce, yet many lack adequate support upon arrival. A new study aims to create a roadmap to assist IMGs throughout their transition, identifying three stages of support: acclimatisation to Australia, integration into rural communities, and family-focused training. The research involved interviews and focus groups with 41 participants, including 28 IMGs. The findings underscore the need for structured support to enhance IMG comfort, confidence, and professional belonging in rural settings.
via RACGP newsGP
- 03
New outreach scholarships for LARC training launched
Healthcare professionals in rural and regional Australia can now apply for scholarships to access long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) training through the AUSLARC program's new outreach model. This initiative aims to improve access to education and clinical skills development, reducing travel burdens for healthcare workers in remote areas. Eligible applicants must work in Modified Monash Model 2–7 locations and meet specific clinical requirements. The program includes online training, face-to-face workshops, and supervised clinical placements to ensure participants can safely provide LARC services.
via RACGP newsGP
- 04
High-risk vitamin B6 purchasing behaviours widespread in Australia
An analysis of pharmacy sales data indicates that Australians may be at risk of vitamin B6 toxicity due to excessive purchases of vitamin B6-containing products. Despite regulatory changes aimed at reducing toxicity, researchers found that over 20 million such products were sold between August 2022 and July 2025, with 21.6% of transactions classified as high-risk for exceeding recommended daily doses. The study revealed that consumers often purchased multiple products, leading to cumulative exposure that could result in neurological damage. Researchers suggest that pharmacists could play a crucial role in mitigating this risk through consumer education and monitoring purchasing patterns.
- 05
Biologic dose escalation improves outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease
A new Australian study advocates for improved access to dose-escalated therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), showing that it enhances long-term outcomes and reduces healthcare utilisation. Researchers analysed data from 6093 patients treated with biologics, finding that dose escalation led to increased rates of disease remission and reduced reliance on systemic steroids. The study also noted a decrease in endoscopies and radiology investigations following dose escalation, although hospital admissions remained unchanged. The findings challenge current Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme funding structures, which do not account for the real-world need for dose escalation in IBD management.
- 06
Studies link historical GLP-1 use to pregnancy complications
Two large studies found that women who used semaglutide before pregnancy faced higher risks of excessive gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, excessive foetal growth, and caesarean delivery compared to nonusers. The risk profile remained similar regardless of whether the medication was continued during pregnancy or ceased prior. The research involved 1230 women with a history of semaglutide use and highlighted that most exposure occurred in the first trimester. A separate study examined 3572 pregnancies and noted no significant differences in spontaneous abortion risk, but a higher rate of elective terminations among those who continued treatment.
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.