General Enquiries: rphcm@crana.org.au
The Remote Primary Health Care Manuals (RPHCM) are intended for use by trained health professionals including ATSIHPs, nurses and doctors. This manual is not intended to be a layperson’s manual.
The manuals are designed to be used primarily in remote (largely Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) communities. The RPHCM support a cycle of care that incorporates collaborative practice, shared care, and patient recall and follow-up. Use of the manual also facilitates standardised pharmacy imprest lists and quality assurance.
Use of the RPHCM are not intended to replace clinical judgement, expertise or appropriate referral. They do not support practitioners to work beyond their level of competence or confidence, or outside their scope of practice or health service policies.
The supply of medicines recommended in the manual must occur within the constraints of organisational polices and jurisdictional drugs and poisons legislation. Safe practice requires that practitioners who are not sure what they are dealing with talk with someone more experienced or skilled.
Following protocols in the RPHCM does not remove the need to complete normally accepted practices (even if unstated) such as:
When options are given they are listed in order of preference. Only move down the list if earlier options are not available, or not acceptable to person or their carer.
Where appropriate, practitioners should discuss with the person the impact of a diagnosis on their ability to hold an unconditional driver's license.
Supporting resources for protocols are available from the Remote Primary Health Care Manual website www.remotephcmanuals.com.au
Aboriginal
Due to space restrictions in this manual the term Aboriginal is used to mean both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. We use this term respectfully in recognition of the preferred term by most people living in the area this manual was produced for. We apologise for any offence it may cause.
Abbreviations
Abbreviations and acronyms may be used without explanation. There is an abbreviation list which includes acronyms.
Urgent medical consult
Medical advice must be sought as soon as possible.
Medical consult
A medical consult involves seeking advice and/or authorisation for treatment from a doctor, appropriately qualified nurse practitioner, midwife or specialist. It occurs while the patient is present and may be in person or by telehealth, eg phone, radio, videoconference.
Medical follow-up
A medical follow-up is an assessment of the patient by a doctor, appropriately qualified nurse practitioner, midwife, or specialist. It would usually involve making an appointment for the person to return to the clinic or visit the practitioner at a future time.
Medicines
Medicines are named for their active ingredients. Where a brand name for a medicine or other product is used it is in italics, and usually in brackets.
The mention of specific products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.
General Enquiries: rphcm@crana.org.au