The National Prescribing Service (NPS) facilitator is responsible for delivering the NPS program within the Illawarra. This involves practice visits to GPs in their surgeries, participating in and organising continuing education activities and consumer education.

Activities

Practice Visits

The National Prescribing Service facilitator is responsible for providing independent drug information to Illawarra GPs. Practice visits are offered on therapeutic topics, as advised by the National Prescribing Service.

Visits currently offered are on the topic of

• antithrombotics and antiplatelets for stroke prevention

Future visits will be on the

• Therapeutic choices for menopausal symptoms

Case studies

Using case studies developed by the NPS, several GPs within one practice can participate in a small-group case study discussion with the NPS facilitator, usually in the setting of a lunchtime meeting. Variations on these cases can be completed along with invited pharmacists, to illustrate the concept and processes of Home Medicines Review

Clinical Audits

The NPS provide three clinical audits each year, which are available through the IDGP. These are free to prescribers, and completion qualifies for RACGP points as well as one recognised activity under the Practice Incentive Program (Quality Prescribing Initiative). 

Medicines Information

Independent drug information is available for General Practitioners by directly contacting the NPS facilitator (details below) or the NPS Therapeutic Advice and Information Service (TAIS) on 1300 138 677.

Consumer information is available from the NPS (Medicines Line) on 1300 888 763.

Program Contact Person

Margaret Jordan