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DSU Bulletins

The Statements of Principles Monitoring, Aetiology and CCPS Commentary Unit

4th floor AMP Place, 10 Eagle St Brisbane Qld 4000.

Facsimile: 07 3223 8722.

Bob Connolly

07 3223 8325  (Manager, Brisbane)

Dr Bev Grehan

07 3223 8376

Maureen Anderson

08 8290 0365  (Manager, Adelaide)

Dr Jon Kelley

07 3223 8412

Duncan Cape

07 3223 8757

Sue Lee

08 8290 0227

Gaynor Cavanagh

07 3223 8331

Bernadette McCabe

07 3223 8393

SOP BULLETIN # 20

2 March 1999

THE FOLLOWING RMA SOPS ARE TO BE GAZETTED ON 3 MARCH 1999

Revocations & Determinations

Peptic ulcer disease

Myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism

Hypertension

Lumbar spondylosis

Thoracic spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis

IMPORTANT OPERATIONAL FEATURES

PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE

Revocation - 21 & 22 of 1999 (replaces 9 & 10 of '94 and 217 & 218 of 95)

The SOP definition is now limited to only chronic gastric ulcer and chronic duodenal ulcer.  Acute peptic ulcers are not covered by this SOP.

The factor for stressful circumstances has been removed on the basis of current scientific evidence.

The SOP no longer defines when H pylori infection can be assumed.  This is a major change and will be fully explained in an Advisory Note to follow.

The factor for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has been split into 2 factors.  For chronic gastric ulcer NSAIDs include aspirin.  For chronic duodenal ulcer aspirin is excluded from NSAIDs.

MYOPIA, HYPERMETROPIA AND ASTIGMATISM

Revocation- 23 & 24 of 1999(replaces 62 & 63 of '98)

Minor wording changes so that each factor refers to the affected eye when appropriate.

HYPERTENSION

Revocation- 25 & 26 of 1999

(replaces 64 & 65 of '98)

Alcohol abuse definition has been slightly reworded to make it closer to the definition in SOP for Alcohol Dependence or Alcohol Abuse.

Alcohol dependence definition has slightly reworded for the same reason; and also now refers to "past consumption of alcohol".  This definition now includes those who are no longer drinking but are still receiving treatment for their dependence.

LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS

Revocation- 27 & 28 of 1999 (replaces 52 & 53 of '98)

THORACIC SPONDYLOSIS

Revocation- 29 & 30 of 1999 (replaces 54 & 55 of '98)

CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS

Revocation- 31 & 32 of 1999 (replaces 56 & 57 of '98)

These SOPs have had the TRAUMA definitions amended.  Trauma now includes a reference to medical intervention which is specifically defined as follows:

(a)immobilisation of the cervical/thoracic/lumbar spine by splinting, or similar external agents; or

(b)injection of corticosteroids or local anaesthetics in the cervical/thoracic/lumbar spine; or

(c)surgery to the cervical/thoracic/lumbar spine.

If you are having any problems with SOPs, including if you think a SOP needs to be changed, talk to us!