In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Karin Sekhon is joined by Dr Gordon Shymko, a psychiatrist and clinical director of the Perth Headspace Youth Early Psychosis Program. Dr Shymko brings over 30 years of clinical experience in psychiatry, with a special interest in the management of psychotic disorders and early intervention in youth.

They focused on the topic of first episode psychosis (FEP) and what general practitioners (GPs) need to know to identify and support patients presenting with these conditions. Dr Shymko highlights the crucial role of GPs in early detection, as they are often the first point of contact for young people experiencing subtle changes or distress suggestive of psychosis.

Key topics covered in this episode include:

• Clinical features and presentation of first episode psychosis, include recognising changes in functioning, paranoia, delusional themes, and auditory hallucinations.
• They discussed the typical age of onset and differences between genders.
• The concept of prodromal symptoms and the importance of knowing the patient's baseline functioning.
• The relative rarity of psychotic disorders compared to more common mental health presentations, and the significance of conducting a thorough history to uncover less obvious psychotic or manic symptoms.
• The role of family history in identifying risk of psychosis.
• Recommended organic screening and investigations, and indications for brain imaging or neurological examination.
• Guidance on referral pathways for patients with suspected psychosis, including when to refer to public mental health services, Headspace Early Psychosis Programs, and private psychiatrists, depending on acuity and available resources.

They also discussed the challenges GPs face in accessing specialist mental health services for their patients, and the importance of early intervention in improving long-term outcomes for young people experiencing psychosis.

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information

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In this episode of This Could Save Your Life podcast, hosts Dr Anna Mullins and Dr Catherine Bourke delve into the crucial topic of cardiovascular disease focusing on prevention. They discuss the importance of understanding risk factors, both modifiable—such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and lifestyle factors—and non-modifiable, like age, ethnicity, and family history, to effectively prevent these diseases.

They talked about hypertension, or high blood pressure, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Its definition, measurement, and implications when left untreated. Emphasising the importance of regular blood pressure checks from age 18 and the need for medical consultation when readings are elevated.

They then highlight lifestyle strategies for managing high blood pressure, including smoking cessation, regular physical activity, adopting a DASH diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing alcohol consumption. These strategies underscore the role of general practitioners in guiding patients towards healthier lifestyle choices and mitigating cardiovascular risks.

Links & Resources:

Heart Foundation Australia: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au

This Could Save Your Life Podcast is under The Good GP podcast, a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

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The Bp Premier Summit is back this August in Brisbane!

The Bp Premier Summit is back this August in Brisbane! Get hands-on training, CPD points, and connect with 40+ vendors. Early bird tickets close 30 April – grab yours here https://bit.ly/44732tX.

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In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Krystyna de Lange is joined by Professor Liz Reymond and Dr Megan Ashcroft to explore the topic of voluntary assisted dying (VAD). Professor Reymond, a palliative care physician and director of the Queensland Voluntary Assisted Dying Support and Pharmacy Service, along with Dr Ashcroft, a Brisbane-based GP who has a special interest in VAD services, share their insights and expertise on this evolving aspect of healthcare.

Beginning with an overview of the legal landscape for voluntary assisted dying in Australia. Professor Reymond explains the prescriptive nature of VAD laws, the similarities and differences across states, eligibility criteria, and the rigorous reporting and assessment processes involved. Dr Ashcroft further adds in by outlining the criteria for assessing patient eligibility and the intricacies of decision-making capacity.

They then delve into the GP's role in VAD, emphasising the importance of understanding the capacity and mental health evaluations required when considering VAD requests. They both offer practical advice on navigating this complex area, with a focus on the respectful and compassionate care of patients at the end of life.

They also mentioned resources and support available for GPs who are or wish to be involved in providing VAD services, including training requirements and the significance of community and practitioner networks.

Links to state specific voluntary assisted dying resources:

• QLD: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/support/voluntary-assisted-dying
• NSW: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/voluntary-assisted-dying/Pages/eligibility.aspx
• ACT: https://www.act.gov.au/health/topics/end-of-life-and-palliative-care/voluntary-assisted-dying-in-the-act
• Victoria: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/patient-care/voluntary-assisted-dying
• Tasmania: https://www.health.tas.gov.au/health-topics/voluntary-assisted-dying
• SA: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/services/community+and+specialised+services/voluntary+assisted+dying/voluntary+assisted+dying+in+south+australia
• NT: https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/vad
• WA: https://www.health.wa.gov.au/voluntaryassisteddying

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Bp Premier Summit is back this August in Brisbane!

The Bp Premier Summit is back this August in Brisbane! Get hands-on training, CPD points, and connect with 40+ vendors. Early bird tickets close 30 April – grab yours here https://bit.ly/44732tX.

Best Practice Summit