APS JUL20 eNews

Editor’s note

My name is Dr Joanne Harmon, and I have recently joined the editing team for the APS newsletter as a co-editor. I am a registered nurse and academic located at the University of South Australia. It is great to be able to be involved, and I am looking forward to being part of the APS editorial team.

For many of us the coronavirus restrictions are slowing starting to lift within some states and territories here in Australia. It is a sobering thought the huge toll coronavirus has had on many of our colleagues, both here and overseas. Not to mention the impact on families and friends.

We have a fantastic edition for our members this month. We are very proud and have congratulations on order for one of our members and an important pain in aged care influencer who received recognition in the recent Queen’s birthday honours. It was great to see Professor Lorimer Moseley receiving the Officer of the Order of Australia and Dr Jennifer Abbey being awarded a Member of Order of Australia. Congratulations to you both for the all the tireless work undertaken for the benefits of so many.

Save the date. The next APS annual society meeting has been announced for 2021, 18-21st April at the National Convention Centre, Canberra.

I don’t know about you all, but I have really missed the conference this year and I am looking forward to being able to catch up next year. The APS conferences are always a lot of fun, and a great opportunity for us all to catch up, network and socialise.

Dr Joanne Harmon

In this edition of the APS newsletter an update is provided by Dr Tim Ho on the recent changes in the pharmaceutical benefit scheme on listings of opioid medications. Outlined is how the APS are committed to provision of improved access to multi-disciplinary pain management for all. This section provides a much-needed concise summary on these key changes. A timely reminder for us all to check out the free better pain management module on pain prescribing for clarity and confidence in opioid management provided by the Faculty of Pain medicine (ANZCA).

A friendly reminder for you all to please send the APS newsletter editorial team a short commentary on your latest article for publication. Our members are keen to hear about what their colleagues are up to and to be in a position to keep up to date with the latest research.

Until next month

Joanne Assistant Editor

SAVE THE DATE!

APS 2021 will be held from 18-21 April 2021 at the National Convention Centre, Canberra.

Please visit the conference website here:

Further information on APS 2021 will be sent out in the coming months, but we have some exciting speakers already confirmed and we can’t wait to catch up with you all next year.

OPENING DATES ARE NEAR! DON’T MISS IT!

Wednesday 8 July

Topical Session Submissions Open

Wednesday 29 July 2020

Rising Star Award Applications Open SPC Scholar Position Applications Open Free Paper/Poster Abstract Submissions Open

Wednesday 4 November 2020

Registrations Open

If you have any questions please contact the APS Conference Secretariat: aps2021@dcconferences.com.au

JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED IT!

After APS 2020 had to be cancelled, the APS Board and Scientific Program Committee were pleased to be able to provide Members with another prominent means for accepted free paper and poster abstracts to be viewed.

APS 2020 Digital Abstracts Website

There are over 50 abstract submissions available to discover. These will be available until April 2021.

Explore,

Toward Safer Use of Opioid: Welcoming the Revised Opioids PBS listing

By Dr Tim Ho

As of 1 June 2020, the pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) listings for opioid medication has changed. The Australian Pain Society (APS) has welcomed these changes and the efforts to ensure appropriate prescription and safe use of opioid medication.

The Pharmaceutical Benefit Advisory Committee (PBAC) has recommended the changes in response to the high number of deaths, and hospitalisations due to prescription opioids. These changes are part of the broader measure to support appropriate prescribing and safe use of opioids. They also serve to inform consumers of the risks of opioid medication, and educate them on the non-opioid alternatives available. All of these changes are available on the PBS website: https://www.tga.gov.au/ prescription-opioids-what-changes-are-beingmade-and-why?

The key changes are as follows:

• Restricting and harmonising indications

• Introducing smaller pack sizes for immediate release opioids for acute short-term treatment.

• Including box warnings and class precaution statement in the product information

• Improving safety information in the consumer information.

For chronic pain patients on slow release opioids, prescribers now must ensure these patients meet the authority indication as specified by PBS. The streamlined authority code on an authority script is required for prescribing. The prescriber is required to request approval for increased quantity through a phone authority for up to 1 month of treatment or gain an electronic/written authority for up

Dr Tim Ho

to 3 months of treatment. This also means that modified release opioids will no longer be indicated for PBS subsidy for acute pain (except for acute on chronic pain).

For immediate release medications, the prescriber must also ensure the patient will meet the criteria for restricted benefit indications.

Smaller pack sizes for immediate release opioids makes sense. Australian data has shown when patients receive a larger total quantity of opioids on the first prescription, this was associated with a greater risk towards ongoing long-term use. Secondly, a smaller pack size may also help mitigate the chance of diversion. Research has also shown a common source of diversion of prescription opioids will come from family or friends.

Larger pack sizes for immediate release opioids still remains available. This is to ensure access to opioids for cancer and palliative patients. The ‘Shared Care’ model for prescribing nurse practitioners is also still supported.

To be eligible for certain high strength opioids such as fentanyl and hydromorphone, the patient must not be opioid naïve; and needs to be unresponsive or intolerant to other opioid and non-opioid treatments. Furthermore, the patient must be referred to an alternative prescriber for clinical review if their length of opioid use exceeds or is expected to exceed 12 months. The other reviewing doctor could be any other prescriber and is inclusive of; GPs, pain specialists, or an addiction specialist. The

introduction of an annual review is positive, and it will help to ensure appropriate use of opioid medication. To this end, improved access to a pain specialist, and especially one who provides bulk billing services, is therefore urgently needed for complex chronic pain patients.

APS wants to minimise opioid misuse, and we don’t want to see the pendulum swing too far. We need to carefully monitor outcomes and be mindful the goal of these changes are to reduce deaths and harm from prescription opioids. One ongoing issue remains. While opioid medications continue to be accessible and subsidised via PBS, then evidencebased alternatives such as pain management programs will remain harder to access. APS is aware that opioids are not central to the management of chronic pain. Finally, the

NPS Medicinewise –Opioids Information Video

NPS MedicineWise is pleased to announce the release of our latest educational resource, an opioids information video for consumers. The animated video was developed in collaboration with the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. The video was also tested by the Painaustralia Consumer Advisory Group.

The aim of the animation video is to provide necessary information to consumers who may be about to trial an opioid for chronic non-

APS will continue our endeavours to advocate for improved access to multidisciplinary pain management programs.

We look forward to seeing the outcome of these changes, and in particular how they will impact on the reduction of deaths and harm related to prescription opioids.

You can find further information at:

https://www.painaustralia.org.au/static/ uploads/files/changes-to-availability-ofpain-medication-on-june-1-how-will-you-beaffected-20200-wfmxnrcgdtdx.pdf

https://www.healthindustryhub.com.au/ pharmaceutical-news-trends/major-changesto-opioid-pbs-listings-effective-1-june/

cancer pain. The video can be incorporated as part of an opioid prescribing workflow, where it can be provided to consumers to watch before opioid treatment is initiated.

The video can be viewed here https://www.nps. org.au/opioids-information-video

If you or your organisation would like to utilise this resource on patient-facing screens in clinics in your area, on your website or social media channels, please email media@nps.org.au

6 FREE Better Pain Management modules!

Better Pain Prescribing: Clarity and confidence in opioid management

The Faculty of Pain Medicine (ANZCA) has partnered with the TGA, developing a targeted better pain management and safe opioid therapy eLearning program for primary care providers involved in managing those with chronic pain. Available at no cost to health care professionals residing in Australia, this course will help develop greater clarity and confidence with six key eLearning modules dedicated to best-practice opioids prescribing and pain management techniques.

‘Better Pain Prescribing: Clarity and confidence in opioid management’

includes the following modules:

Module 1: Making an effective pain diagnosis: a whole person approach

Understand the importance of a whole-person approach to pain assessment, including awareness of important pathophysiological pathways and the complexities underlying pain experiences.

Module 2: The impact and management of psychological factors in pain

Recognise patients at risk for long-term distress and disability. Develop an effective management plan for psychosocial comorbidities in patients with chronic pain.

Module 3: A whole person approach to chronic pain

Comprehensively assess and manage complex chronic pain presentations. Educate patients about multidisciplinary pain management, whilst providing alternative solution options.

Module 6: Opioids in pain management

Initiate and monitor opioid therapy appropriately in patients with non-malignant chronic pain. Includes resources such as the Opioid Risk Tool for assessing a patient’s risk of problematic opioid behaviour.

Module 7: Pharmacology of pain medicine

Develop and understanding of analgesic medications and mechanisms present in chronic pain to drive both clear and rational prescribing decision-making.

Module 11: High-dose problematic opioid use

More effectively prepare to deal with this complex opioid problem by understanding the influences that drive high opioid use within vulnerable patients.

Pain education for professionals

Available now www.betterpainmanagement.com.au

Queen’s Birthday Honours

We are delighted to congratulate the following APS member who received an award in the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Officer of the Order of Australia (AO): Professor Lorimer MOSELEY AO

For distinguished service to medical research and science communication, to education, to the study of pain and its management, and to physiotherapy.

Further congratulations to the creator of the well-known Abbey Pain Scale and champion of pain management in aged care.

Member of the Order of Australia (AM): Dr Jennifer ABBEY AM

For significant service to the health of aged persons, particularly to pain care management.

Reminder that we are keen that members inform us when they have publications so that this can be shared with your APS colleagues. Please send the newsletter editor (via the APS Secretariat, aps@apsoc.org.au ) the title, authors and reference (i.e. the journal, volume etc.) of the article, preferably with a short explanatory note to give our readers the gist of the article, e.g. the conclusions part of the abstract; if you would like to supply a short commentary on the article, even better.

Have you had an article accepted for publication this year?

Can you help improve psychological therapy for women chronic pelvic pain?

FREE ebook ‘Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain’

by pelvic pain experts Dr Susan Evans and Deborah Bush for every clinician who completes the survey! Usually retails for $27.50!

We are looking for mental health clinicians who use psychological or talk-based therapies with women who have chronic pelvic pain conditions. We are interested in finding out what clinicians use and find effective.

The information sheet, consent form and survey can be accessed using the following link

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y3H98S8

Your contribution will help us form a better evidence base for psychological interventions for women with chronic pelvic pain conditions. This project is part of a PhD project at the University of South Australia.

Participation is voluntary and your responses will be de-identified and kept confidential. This project has ethics approval from the University of South Australia.

If you have any further questions about this survey, contact information can be found at the end of the information sheet in the survey.

We are truly grateful for your time. Your responses have the potential to provide valuable contributions to both research and clinical practice in this area.

Best Wishes, Tiffany

Brooks

REGISTRATION

20 ber 2020

Dr Marc Russo and the PAIN2020 Committee invite you to join us at PAIN2020, the only meeting addressing pain management held in Sydney this year!

www dcconferences com au/pain2020

KEY DATES

Online Registration Opens

Early Bird Registration Deadline

4 August 2020

1 October 2020

More information can be found at dcconferences com au/pain2020 or via email at pain2020@dcconferences com au

NEW!

• Video: Information about opioids and chronic non-cancer pain

Released on 21JUN20 from NPS MedicineWise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R4RT0pUCf4&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR2dbhzgEAcc7B-ogq2a6 Xhud5FDkbciPbdJ9pb94GnQI6pAeifGd1VP-_I

Other items of interest for our members:

• Latest opioids data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics: https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/ abs@.nsf/MediaReleasesByCatalogue/CC21BEAE2026450DCA25847F0013A28F?OpenDocument

• Australia’s annual overdose report 2019: http://www.penington.org.au/australias-annual-overdose-report-2019/

• New videos from NSW Health: Working with Aboriginal People

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV4Muq87ekQ&feature=em-uploademail

• The Third Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/atlas

• Painaustralia eNewsletter latest issue, available online at http://www.painaustralia.org.au/media/enews

• ePPOC: electronic Persistent Pain Outcomes Collaboration

For more information about ePPOC, refer to the website: http://ahsri.uow.edu.au/eppoc/index.html

• PainHEALTH website http://painhealth.csse.uwa.edu.au/

• Stanford University

CHOIR Collaborative Health Outcomes Information Registry: https://choir.stanford.edu/

• Opioid Podcasts for GPs

20 week series from the Hunter Postgraduate Medical Institute: http://www.gptraining.com.au/recent-podcasts

• Airing Pain

Pain resources via an online radio show produced by Pain Concern, a UK registered Charity: http://painconcern.org.uk/airing-pain/

• Digital Health Guide

Developed by Primary Health Network Tasmania: https://digitalhealthguide.com.au/Account/LogOn?ReturnUrl=%2fSpecialtyFormulary%2f2

At login, Username: connectingcare, Password: health

• Indigenous Resources

New webpage on the APS website aggregating Indigenous resources: http://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/chronic-pain/health-professionals/quick-steps-to-managechronic-pain-in-primary-care

FYI

NPS MedicineWise resources:

• Choosing Wisely Australia – News & media: http://www.choosingwisely.org.au/news-and-media

• Over the counter codeine – changes to supply: https://www.nps.org.au/medical-info/clinical-topics/over-the-counter-codeine-changes-to-supply

• Medicines with codeine – what you need to know: https://www.nps.org.au/medical-info/consumer-info/medicines-with-codeine-what-you-need-to-know

• Information about opioids and chronic non-cancer pain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R4RT0p UCf4&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR2dbhzgEAcc7B-ogq2a6Xhud5FDkbciPbdJ9pb94GnQI6pAeifGd1VP-_I

TGA

• Codeine information hub: https://www.tga.gov.au/codeine-info-hub

NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation resources:

• Brainman and Pain Tool Kit translations, SEP15: http://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/chronic-pain/translated-resources

• Pain Management Resources: http://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/pain-management

• Quicksteps to Manage Chronic Pain in Primary Care: http://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/chronic-pain/health-professionals/quick-steps-to-managechronic-pain-in-primary-care

- Built into Quicksteps: “How to de-prescribe and wean opioids in general practice”: http://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/chronic-pain/health-professionals/quick-steps-to-managechronic-pain-in-primary-care/how_to_de-prescribe_and_wean_opioids_in_general_practice

• A list of helpful apps for consumers and clinicians now available at: http://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/chronic-pain/health-professionals/management-of-chronic-pain

• Chronic Pain in the ED: https://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/networks/eci/clinical/clinical-resources/ clinical-tools/pain-management/chronic-pain-in-the-ed

Calendar of Events

These dates and events are current at the time of publication. Due to the current health concerns with COVID-19, we recommend you make your own enquiries before planning to attend

17-18 July 2020

AOCPRM

The 7th Asia-Oceanian Conference of Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine (AOCPRM 2020)

Virtual, Online Conference http://www.aocprm2020.com/html/

1-5 September 2020

International Spinal Cord Society

ISCoS 2020 59th Annual Scientific Meeting of the International Spinal Cord Society: Virtual , Online, Virtual Conference https://www.iscosmeetings2020.org

14-15 September 2020

Occupational Therapy Australia

Learn, Practice and Enrich 2020 Virtual OT Exchange, Virtual, Interactive Conference https://www.otausevents.com.au/otexchange2020/

17 - 19 September 2020

Australian & New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine ANZSPM

Palliative Care in an Uncertain World , Virtual, Online Conference https://willorganise.eventsair.com/2020anzspm-conference/

15 - 17 October 2020

International Neuromodulation Society

2nd Joint Congress of the INS European Chapters, Paris, France https://e-ins.org/

16-18 October 2020

Australian Psychological Society

PSY2020 Advancing psychology, Virtual, Online Conference https://www.psy2020.com.au

28-31 October 2020

Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and Rural Doctors

Association of Australia (RDAA)

Rural Medicine Australia - RMA20 - Respond. Recover. Reflect. Renew.

The Crowne Plaza, Hunter Valley, NSW

https://rma.acrrm.org.au/covid-19-update

14-15 November 2020

Pain 2020

Hyatt Regency, Sydney, NSW https://dcconferences.eventsair.com/pain2020/

4 -7 November 2020

Wounds Australia

Wounds 2020

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, QLD https://wounds2020.com.au/?utm_ source=australianpainsociety&utm_ medium=banner&utm_campaign=website

11 - 13 November 2020

Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA)

47th Annual Scientific Meeting Convention Centre, Brisbane, QLD https://www.cosa.org.au/events/annualscientific-meeting/

4-6 March 2021

Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA)

Research to Practice 2021

Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre, Perth, WA http://researchtopractice2020.com.au

12 -14 March 2021

Australia New Zealand Headache Society

ANZHS Annual Scientific Meeting

Sofitel Wentworth Hotel, Sydney, NSW https://anzheadachesociety.org/2020-anzhsheadache-annual-scientific-meeting/

18-20 March 2021

New Zealand Pain Society Annual Scientific Meeting 2021

Making the Connection - Cortex, Culture and CommunityCopthorne Hotel, Bay of Islands, NZ https://www.nzps2021.nz

18-21 April 2021

Australian Pain Society

41st Annual Scientific Meeting

In the IASP Global Year Against Back Pain National Convention Centre, Canberra, ACT https://www.dcconferences.com.au/aps2021/

19 -21 May 2021

Australian & New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine (ANZSGM)

Annual Scientific Meeting 2021

Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Melbourne, VIC http://www.anzsgmconference.org/

21 - 23 May 2021

Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Psychologists 2020 Annual Conference Complexity in Practice

Sofitel Brisbane Central, Brisbane, QLD https://www.psychology.org.au/APS-CCLIN-Conf/2020

22 -25 June 2021

Rehabilitation Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand (RMSANZ)

5th Annual Scientific Meeting: Forging Alliances, New Horizons

Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast, QLD https://www.dcconferences.com.au/rmsanz2021/

23 - 25 June 2021

Occupational Therapy Australia

Inspired Insights for Brighter Futures

Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns, QLD https://www.otaus2021.com.au

27 June-1 July 2021

International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP)

IASP 2021 World Congress on Pain TBA, Amsterdam, Netherlands https://www.iaspworldcongress.org

13 - 15 August 2021

Neuromodulation Society of Australia & New Zealand (NSANZ) 14th Annual Scientific Meeting Neuromodulation, Value Based Care

Sofitel Brisbane Central, Brisbane, QLD https://www.dcconferences.com.au/nsanz2021/

21-23 October 2021

Australian Physiotherapy Association

APA 2021 Conference

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, QLD https://australian.physio/pd/conferences-andmasterclasses

11-13 November 2021

Australian and New Zealand Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

ANZAOMS 2021 Conference

Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, Tasmania https://www.anzaomsconference.com.au/

24-27 March 2022

IASP Pain in Childhood

ISPP 2022 13th International Symposium on Pediatric Pain: Diversity, Equity, Access Cordis Hotel, Auckland, New Zealand http://www.ispp2022.nz/home.html

APS Directors

President:

Dr Anne Burke

Central Adelaide Local Health Network

Royal Adelaide Hospital

Adelaide SA 5000

Tel: 08 8222 5403 Fax: 08 8222 5904

President-Elect:

Ms Trudy Maunsell

Acute Pain Service

Princess Alexandra Hospital

Woolloongabba QLD 4102

Tel: 07 3176 5547 Fax: 07 3176 5102

Secretary:

Dr Will Howard

VIC

Tel: 03 9496 3800

Treasurer

Mr Tim Austin

Camperdown Physiotherapy

Newtown NSW 2042

Tel: 02 9517 1787 Fax: 02 9516 2491

ACT Director:

Dr Andrew Watson Calvary Hospital

Canberra ACT 2617

Tel: 02 6201 6352 Fax: N/A

NSW Director:

Dr Tim Ho

Inner West Pain Centre

RPA Medical Centre

Newtown NSW 2042

Tel: 02 9517 1764 Fax: 02 9517 1832

NT Director: Ms Diann Black

Recovery

Royal Darwin Hospital

Casuarina NT 0811

Tel: 08 8931 1029 Fax:08 8922 8325

QLD Director:

Mrs Joyce McSwan

Gold Coast Primary Health Network

Persistent Pain Program, QLD

Tel: 0412 327 795 Fax: 07 3539 9801

SA Director:

Dr Michelle Harris

Royal Adelaide Hospital and Lyell McEwin Hospital

Adelaide SA

Email: michelle.harris2@sa.gov.au

TAS Director:

Mrs Dinah Spratt

Physiotas Physiotherapy

Shearwater TAS 7307

Tel: 03 6428 7500 Fax: 03 6424 7811

VIC Director:

Dr Laura Prendergast

Pain Service, Austin Health

Chronic Pain Clinic, Goulburn Valley Health VIC

Tel: 03 9496 3134 or 03 5832 3020

WA Director:

Mr Shadreck Tozana

Functional Revival and Perth WA

Tel: 0437 541 165

Office Bearers

Immediate Past President:

Ms Fiona Hodson

Hunter Integrated Pain Service

John Hunter Hospital Campus

New Lambton NSW 2305

Tel: 02 4922 3435 Fax: 02 4922 3438

SPC Chair:

A/Prof Kevin Keay

Department of Anatomy

University of Sydney

Sydney NSW 2006

Tel: 02 9351 4132 Fax: 02 9351 2817

IASP Liaison:

Professor Michael Nicholas Pain Management Research Institute

Royal North Shore Hospital

St Leonards NSW 2065

Tel: 02 9926 7894 Fax: 02 9662 6279

Website: https://www.iasp-pain.org

Communications Coordinator:

Dr Anne Burke

Central Adelaide Local Health Network

Royal Adelaide Hospital

Adelaide SA 5000

Tel: 08 8222 5403 Fax: 08 8222 5904

Newsletter Editor:

Dr Lincoln Tracy

School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine

Monash University

Melbourne VIC 3004

Tel 03 9903 0288

Newsletter Assistant Editor:

Dr Joanne Harmon

School of Clinical and Health Sciences

University of South Australia

Adelaide SA 5000

Tel 08 8302 1442

PhD Scholarship Chair:

A/Prof Michael Farrell

Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Services

Monash University

Clayton VIC 3800

Tel: 03 9905 6094 Fax: 03 9902 9500

Secretariat:

DC Conferences Pty Ltd

PO Box 637

North Sydney, NSW 2059

Tel: 02 9016 4343 Fax: 02 9954 0666

Email: aps@apsoc.org.au

Website: www.apsoc.org.au

Vision, Mission & Priorities

Vision:

All people will have optimal access to pain prevention and management throughout their life.

Mission:

The Australian Pain Society is a multidisciplinary association whose mission is to advance pain prevention, management and clinical practice.

Priorities:

In order to achieve our mission, the Australian Pain Society will provide:

• Education

• Advocacy

• Research

• Services and resources

• Membership

• Good governance and operations