Frequently Asked Questions

I require support with:

Logging in or accessing the Guidelines

Purchasing or renewing a subscription and account management

Guideline content

Contacting Therapeutic Guidelines

Logging in or accessing the Guidelines

Accessing Therapeutic Guidelines (formerly eTG complete)

How do I access Therapeutic Guidelines online?

The online version of Therapeutic Guidelines is available by logging in to your account here. If your access to Therapeutic Guidelines is provided by your place of work or study (often without the use of a username and password), your method of access may differ.  

The mobile app version of Therapeutic Guidelines is also available to most users. If you have a subscription that requires you to log in with a username and password, you can use the same credentials to access the Therapeutic Guidelines. More information on the app is below. For those provided access through your place of work or study, an app token or OpenAthens login is required for access. Please contact your place of work or study for further instructions.

Which operating systems can Therapeutic Guidelines run on?

Therapeutic Guidelines is accessible via Windows (XP, Win7, Win8 and Win10) and Macintosh OSX (version 10.6 or later). All that is required to access Therapeutic Guidelines online is a fully featured web browser.

Which browsers can Therapeutic Guidelines run on?

For optimal functionality with Therapeutic Guidelines, we recommend that you use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox,  Microsoft Edge or Safari. If you are using an older browser, some of the pages and tools may not function properly.

Accessing the Therapeutic Guidelines app

Subscribers who access Therapeutic Guidelines with a username and password

The Therapeutic Guidelines app is included in the cost of your subscription. For access, follow the instructions below.

  1. Go to the App Store for iPhone, or for Android devices, view this installation guide.
  2. Download the Therapeutic Guidelines app.
  3. Choose ‘Individual’ user option to log in.
  4. Use your Therapeutic Guidelines log in credentials to access the app.
  5. Once logged in, we recommend downloading the Therapeutic Guidelines content to your device by clicking on the cloud icon on the home page of the app.
Subscribers who access Therapeutic Guidelines through their place of work or study

If your place of work or study has a current subscription to the Therapeutic Guidelines app, you will be provided with instructions to register for a token. For access, follow the steps below:

  1. Visit the link supplied by your institution and fill in the required fields.
  2. After registration you will be sent an email with your token details to the address used in the registration process. If you do not receive an email within 10 minutes, we recommend checking your spam and junk folders.
  3. Go to the App Store for iPhone, or Google Play for Android devices.
  4. Download the Therapeutic Guidelines app
  5. Choose ‘Institutional’ option to log in.
  6. Enter the email address you used to register and your token details.
How can I register for an app token to use Therapeutic Guidelines on my mobile device?

In order to access the Therapeutic Guidelines app through your place of work or study, you will need to register for a token. It is important to note that this is not always included in the Therapeutic Guidelines app subscription, so it is recommended that you contact your library or the team in charge of organising point of care resources.

Do I need internet access to use the Therapeutic Guidelines app?

You will need internet access to download the app and log in for the first time. Once you have logged in, you can download the Therapeutic Guidelines content to your device by clicking on the cloud icon on the home page of the app. You will need internet access for the initial download and periodic internet access for Therapeutic Guidelines content updates (several times per year).

Using the guidelines offline

How do I use the app offline?

To use the app offline, the content needs to be downloaded to your device:

  1. Open the Therapeutic Guidelines app.
  2. Click on the cloud icon that appears on the top right-hand-side of the app’s home page
  3. You will receive a notification when the content has downloaded successfully.
  4. When Therapeutic Guidelines are updated, a cloud icon will appear to indicate that new content is available. Even if you are using the app offline whilst connected to the internet, you will still receive a notification that new content is available for download.

To select offline use:

  • Go into Settings (click on the hamburger icon on the top left-hand corner of the home page, choose ‘Settings’).
  • Choose ‘Use app offline’ (shown below).

If you have downloaded the content and you have no internet connection, the app will automatically switch to offline mode.

My app is not working offline. What are my options?

To use the app offline, you need to download the content to your device. For information on how to download the content see ‘How do I use the app offline?’. Note that you need an internet connection to download the content. If your internet connection was interrupted, the content may not have completely downloaded. In this case, the cloud icon will re-appear and you will need to repeat the steps

Why has the offline download version of Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG complete) been discontinued?

We are revising content more frequently, so to ensure that you are always looking at the most current advice, we recommend using the online version of Therapeutic Guidelines. The final release of the offline version of Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG complete) accompanied the December 2020 content release.  If you need an offline version of Therapeutic Guidelines, the content can be downloaded to your mobile device through the app (more information on how to do this is below). 

Other technical support

How do I update my Therapeutic Guidelines app?

We release regular upgrades to improve performance. When a major upgrade is released, we contact users to let them know. If your device is set to automatically update, no further action is required. If you are unsure of how to update apps, visit the relevant link below:

Note: If you access the Therapeutic Guidelines app through your place of work or study using an app token and you uninstall the app, you will need to contact us to have your token re-issued.

How do I know which version of the app I am running?

Go into Settings (click on the hamburger icon on the top left-hand corner of the home page, choose ‘Settings’). The app version number is at the bottom of the window.

How do I uninstall and reinstall the app?

To uninstall:

  • Apple: Click and hold Therapeutic Guidelines icon until the cross appears then click the cross.
  • Android: Click on the Therapeutic Guidelines icon and drag it up to the dustbin on the top banner.

To reinstall:

  • Apple: Search for the app in the App store (search ‘Therapeutic Guidelines’), or click on this link.
  • Android: Search for the app in the Play store (search ‘Therapeutic Guidelines’), or click on this link.

After reinstalling the app, you will be asked to log in again.

  • Those who log in with a username and password can log in again using their username and password. If you get a message saying you already have two active devices, follow the instructions on how to deactivate a device.
  • Those assigned a Therapeutic Guidelines app token will need to contact Therapeutic Guidelines via our enquiry form to have your token reset.
How do I close the app on a mobile device?

To close the app on an Apple device:

  • Double-click on the home button or swipe up to display the apps that are currently running.
  • Select the Therapeutic Guidelines app and swipe up to close the app.

To close the app on an Android device:

  • Click on the little square on the left-hand side of the home button (usually a round button below the screen in the middle of your device).
  • Select the Therapeutic Guidelines app and swipe up to close the app.
How do I deactivate a device from my Therapeutic Guidelines account?

If you get a message telling you that you already have two active devices, you can deactivate one of your devices by doing the following:

  • Log into your account through the black ‘Log in’ box in the top right-hand corner of the home page on tg.org.au or Therapeutic Guidelines.
  • Select your account name from the ‘My account’ drop-down list (click on the black box in the top right-hand corner to see the drop-down list).
  • Click on the ‘My subscriptions’ tab.
  • Click on Deactivate to deactivate a device.
  • You should then be able to log in with your usual credentials. (Click on the cloud icon to download the content for offline use.)

eTG complete name retired

Why has the name of the digital guidelines changed?

The eTG complete name was retired and replaced by the heritage name Therapeutic Guidelines in October 2021.

When all publications were integrated into one online resource in 2002, the name eTG complete was introduced to distinguish the digital guidelines from the books. Today, books are being phased out as the evidence evolves rapidly and digital access methods are preferred for safety, clarity and consistency.  Accordingly, two different names for the guidelines were no longer required.

Purchasing or renewing a subscription and account management

Purchasing a subscription

Which subscription option is suitable for me?
  • Single user subscription: recommended for individual healthcare practitioners.
  • Multiple user subscriptions (2+ users):  recommended for general practice and the community pharmacy setting.
  • Institutional subscription options: recommended for aged care facilities, private hospitals, day hospitals and other large healthcare enterprises. For more information, complete an enquiry form and a member of or customer service team will contact you.
How many licences should I purchase?

The number of licences purchased should reflect the number of healthcare practitioners accessing Therapeutic Guidelines regularly.

Which payment methods are accepted?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express and PayPal for subscriptions purchased online. If ordering over the telephone we accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.

How do you protect my credit card details?

The online purchasing system uses is PayPal. With PayPal, your credit card details are encrypted and transmitted securely from the Therapeutic Guidelines website to PayPal. Therapeutic Guidelines does not have direct access to full credit card numbers.

How can I purchase online?

Renewing customers can login to their account to renew their subscription. This can be done up to three months prior to expiry. New customers can simply click the “Subscribe” button to complete their purchase. If you wish to update the total number of licences on your account, have more than 25 licences or encounter issues purchasing online, please contact us.

When will my subscription expire?
  • New subscribers: the subscription will expire one year from the date of purchase.
  • Renewing subscribers: Your subscription will be renewed based on the date of expiry, not the date of payment.
Is it possible to purchase or renew a subscription over the phone?

We ask that if possible, Therapeutic Guidelines purchases are completed online. For some customers, including those with 26 or more licences, this will not be possible. Our customer service team are available to assist you. You can either complete the enquiry form, reply directly to a renewal notification (if you are a renewing customer) or phone our office on 1800 061 260. Note: office hours are 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.

I live outside of Australia, can I still purchase a Therapeutic Guidelines subscription?

You can purchase an Therapeutic Guidelines subscription via our website (all purchases are in AUD). If you are interested in purchasing a Therapeutic Guidelines book, international customers should contact us.

Tax invoices

I require an invoice prior to payment. How can this be arranged?

Please complete our enquiry form and our friendly team will send you a pro-forma invoice. Note, your subscription will not be renewed until the invoice is paid in full.

When will I receive a tax invoice?

All Therapeutic Guidelines subscribers are sent an email with their tax invoice once payment has been processed. If you have purchased a book, your invoice will be shipped with your order.

Updating account details and password

How do I reset my password?

Click on the Log in button in the top right-hand corner of our home page. Click on the link beside ‘Forgot your password?’ and enter your email address. You will be sent a link to reset your password.

How can I update my personal information?

You can update your contact details when you log in Therapeutic Guidelines. Select your account name from the ‘My account’ drop-down list. You can then click on ‘Edit details’ in the ‘My details’ tab.

How can I change the email address associated with my account?

If your email address has changed, we request that you complete the contact us via the Therapeutic Guidelines website (including both old email and new email) and our customer service team will update your details. Note: you cannot update your email address in your Account area; it must be updated by our customer service team.

Multi-user account management

How do I assign or remove users from my multi-user subscription?

You can add or remove users at any time by signing into the administrators account and navigating to the “Manage users” tab.

How do I add or remove licences from my multi-user subscription?

If you would like to add additional licences to your subscription this can be done at any time by logging into your account, navigating to “My subscription” and clicking on the “Add licence” button. The licence price will be calculated on a pro-rata basis with a single expiry date for all subscriptions on an account.

If circumstances have changed and you require fewer licences, you can update your account when renewing. Contact us for assistance.

How can I renew my multi-user subscription when I have more than 25 licences?

If you have more than 25 licences associated with your multi-user account, you will need to contact us to renew.

Therapeutic Guidelines books

Why can’t I purchase some guidelines in book format?

Therapeutic Guidelines exists to promote best practice patient care. Due to rapidly evolving evidence that results in important practice changing updates, content is revised more frequently. As a result, digital access methods are preferred, and most guidelines are no longer available in book format.

Which guidelines are available book format?

The following titles are still available for purchase in book format:

  • Ulcer and Wound Management – version 3

To order a book, complete an order form.

How long will it take for books to reach me?

Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation, book orders are shipped weekly. When your book order has been processed you will receive a notification from Australia Post with an estimated date of delivery. Express postage and international postage options are also available at additional cost. Please contact us for more information.

Therapeutic Guidelines content

How is Therapeutic Guidelines different from other resources I use?

Therapeutic Guidelines are written principally for prescribers to provide clear, practical, succinct and up-to-date therapeutic information for a range of diseases.

The Guidelines are characterised by their:

  • Independence: Therapeutic Guidelines is independent of government and commercial interest. To protect and maintain this independence a policy on conflict of interest is in place and directors, members of the company and members of the expert writing groups are all required to provide interest statements.
  • Comprehensiveness: The Guidelines cover all common disorders seen in general practice.
  • Authority: The Guidelines present independent information on best practice, which is a distillation of current best evidence interpreted by experts.
  • Accessibility: The Guidelines are easy to use with therapeutic advice categorised according to diagnosis.
  • Currency: All topics are reviewed and updated on a regular basis.

Therapeutic Guidelines are widely respected and are an accepted part of the Australian medical culture. They are used in all Australian medical and pharmacy schools, and extensively in public and private hospitals and in community medical and pharmacy practices.

Disclaimer

These guidelines are an acceptable basis for management of patients, but there may be sound reasons for modifying therapy in certain patients or specific institutions. The complexity of clinical practice requires that users understand the individual clinical situation and exercise independent professional judgment when basing therapy on these guidelines. Particularly in complicated situations, these guidelines are not a substitute for expert advice.

These guidelines do not provide comprehensive drug information. Prescribers should consider the particular harm–benefit profile of a drug in each patient, taking into account adverse effects, contraindications, the potential for drug interactions and other drug characteristics.

How are Therapeutic Guidelines products produced?

Therapeutic Guidelines are written principally for prescribers to provide clear, practical, succinct and up-to-date therapeutic information for a range of diseases. They are based on the latest international literature, interpreted by some of Australia’s most eminent and respected experts, with input from an extensive network of general practitioners and other users. Therapeutic Guidelines represent the essence of current available evidence. Read a detailed description of the process used to develop the content.

How can I find out about recent changes to Therapeutic Guidelines?

To stay up-to-date with the latest content and product updates, we recommend that you subscribe here. Those with an active subscription will also receive occasional email updates. You can also keep an eye on our  Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

How often is Therapeutic Guidelines updated?

Therapeutic Guidelines is updated several times each year with new content and functionality. 

How do I know when a topic was last updated and what has changed in a topic since it was published?

A published date is included at the bottom of each topic page, which indicates when this topic was last reviewed in full.  If a topic has had specific updates since publication see What is a ‘living guideline’?, an amended date is also included with a link to Updates for information on what has changed.

How do I use the doses in Therapeutic Guidelines?

The dosing regimens in the text generally apply to nonpregnant adults of average size; higher or lower doses are appropriate for some patients. Children’s doses have not been assessed for suitability in neonates; when doses are given for neonates, they apply to full-term neonates only, unless otherwise specified.

Why is there sometimes a number shown on the left of a drug regimen in Therapeutic Guidelines?

Where more than one drug regimen is listed for an indication, the number next to the regimen shows its place in therapy (eg 1 for first-line therapy, 2 for second-line therapy). Drugs that are equally appropriate for a given indication are marked with the same number.

Why are some drugs in Therapeutic Guidelines not listed in the drop-down list in the drug index?

The drug index only lists drugs that are part of a full dose recommendation (shown in a blue panel in Therapeutic Guidelines). If your drug does not appear in the drop-down list, try using the main search box.

I have some suggestions that I would like to pass on to the editor, what should I do?

If you are using Therapeutic Guidelines online, feedback can be sent directly to Therapeutic Guidelines by clicking on the ‘Envelope’ icon at the top of the topic or section that you wish to comment on. If you are a book user, send an email to: feedback@tg.org.au. All comments will be logged and you will receive a response if requested.

Where is the information on COVID-19?

Therapeutic Guidelines includes a topic on coronavirus disease that provides links to trusted national and international sources for patient management.

How do I cite Therapeutic Guidelines?

See How to cite content published by Therapeutic Guidelines.

What is a ‘living guideline’?

Medical knowledge continues to evolve at an ever-faster rate, so a new approach to updating guidelines has been developed: living guidelines. A living guideline is one in which individual recommendations are updated when evidence or practice changes, rather than waiting for the next scheduled review of all recommendations—which could be years away.

A living guidelines approach has been recently implemented by Therapeutic Guidelines following a significant period of research and development. Currently, signals for change are largely identified through feedback from users and expert group members, and our approach to surveillance will continue to develop over the coming years.

To ensure all content is reviewed regularly, TG combines the ‘living approach’ with scheduled guideline reviews that update all recommendations every 4 to 6 years.

Contacting Therapeutic Guidelines

Therapeutic Guidelines has a dedicated customer service team who are available to support you. Please feel free to contact us. Office hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, AEST.

Last updated: July 2023