Addressing inequities in alcohol consumption and related harms.

Social determinants, or the conditions in which individuals are born, grow, live, work and age, can result in inequities in health and well-being. However, to-date little research has examined alcohol use and alcohol-related problems from an inequities and social determinants perspective. This study reviewed the evidence base regarding inequities in alcohol consumption and alcohol-related health outcomes in Australia and identified promising approaches for promoting health equity.

Beyond the paper trail: using technology to reduce escalating harms from opioid prescribing in Australia.

Objective: The paper highlights the extent of pharmaceutical drug misuse problems in Australia and explores how pharmaceutical opioid misuse could be reduced by implementation of a technological tool: a prescription co-ordination program (PCP). The paper explores how enhancements to existing computer-assisted clinical decision support systems through real-time, on-line information to prescribers, pharmacists and regulators could address drug-seeking and improve the quality use of medicines.

Approach: Trends in national and international prescription opioid use and related harms are examined with attention directed to drug-seeking behaviour and intentional misuse.