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

Mentioned in this episode:

Curious about how Lyrebird Health can fit into your workflow?

Curious about how Lyrebird Health can fit into your workflow? Visit our website, explore case studies, and even connect with our team for a personalised demo. We're here to help!

Lyrebird Health 1

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

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

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

In this episode of The Good GP Podcast, host Dr Tim Koh is joined by Dr Ramya Raman, Vice-President and Chair of RACGP Western Australia, to provide a timely update on measles, focusing on diagnosis and prevention.

Dr Raman highlights the rarity of measles in general practice due to successful immunisation programs, achieving substantial herd immunity. She discusses the current changes in the environment that have resulted in declining vaccination rates, leading to increased outbreaks globally.

Dr Raman emphasises the importance of understanding risk factors, such as incomplete vaccination and immune system vulnerabilities, and how measles can spread, given its high contagion rate.

Listeners are guided through the typical presentation of measles, with a focus on the prodrome phase, characterised by symptoms such as fever, cough, choriza, and conjunctivitis, followed by a distinctive rash. The conversation touches on clinical challenges GPs might face in identifying measles, especially when considering varying skin tones and season-specific viral rashes.

Dr Raman provides practical advice for GPs on suspecting and testing for measles, including the use of PCR tests and IgM serology. Additionally, there are recommendations for containing potential measles cases through patient isolation, proper protective measures, and public health notifications, highlighting the need for vigilance and proactive measures in general practice.

Check out the video of this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLPeUHYewdA

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

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Krystyna de Lange is joined by Dr Joshua Hanson, a general and infectious disease physician based in Cairns, Australia. Providing in-depth discussion on Hepatitis B, focusing on screening, diagnosis, and management strategies for general practitioners.

Dr Hanson highlights the importance of screening for hepatitis B in Australia. He explains the hepatitis B tests recommended for screening and their interpretation, the importance of the hepatitis B surface antigen test as a key indicator of chronic infection.

They shifted to the initial assessment of patients newly diagnosed with hepatitis B. Dr Hanson describes the critical aspects of evaluating liver health, the potential impact of co-morbid factors such as alcohol use and smoking, and the significance of family history. They cover the various phases of hepatitis B infection, emphasising the need for general practitioners to determine the patient’s phase for effective management.

They also address the ongoing monitoring of hepatitis B patients, explaining the importance of regular clinical reviews and liver function tests. Dr Hanson discusses the need for routine checks to detect any progression of the disease or development of complications, such as fibrosis or liver cancer.

Links & Resources:

• Bpostive: a free resource examining all aspects of HBV care for clinicians working in primary care, collated by ASHM: https://hepatitisb.org.au/

• Decision making in hepatitis B: https://ashm.org.au/resources/decision-making-in-hepatitis-b/

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

In this episode of This Could Save Your Life podcast, hosts Dr Catherine Bourke and Dr Anna Mullins delve into the topic of breast cancer screening. They discuss the importance of both screening and testing and elucidate the difference between the two.

They begin by outlining what screening entails, emphasising that it’s for individuals with no symptoms of breast cancer, aiming to detect any irregularities early. Describing the screening process, including mammograms and other radiological tests, and discussing the symptoms that may necessitate further testing, such as nipple inversion, skin dimpling, and nipple discharge.

Dr Bourke and Dr Mullins then provide an overview of accessing breast cancer screening in Australia. Sharing practical advice on booking screenings, the importance of finding a comfortable experience, and the role of early detection plays in effective treatment and better outcomes.

They then discuss the individual risk factors for breast cancer. Advocating for the iPrevent calculator, developed by the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, as a valuable tool for assessing personal risk and determining appropriate screening measures. They also touched upon the genetic and familial aspects of breast cancer risk and the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Finally, they shared tips on lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Exercise, smoking cessation, moderate alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight are highlighted as key preventive measures. Along with the regular physical breast examinations and awareness of changes.

Links & Resources:

Breast cancer risk assessment and risk management decision support tool:

• iPrevent- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre: https://www.petermac.org/patients-and-carers/health-services-for-cancer-patients/cancer-prevention/iprevent

Breast screening services:

• Western Australia: Breast Screen WA:https://www.breastscreen.health.wa.gov.au
• South Australia: Breast Screen SA: https://www.breastscreen.sa.gov.au
• Victoria: Breast Screen VIctoria: https://www.breastscreen.org.au
• New South Wales: Breast Screen NSW: https://www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au
• Queensland: Breast Screen Queensland: https://www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au
• Northern Territory: Breast Screen NT: https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/cancer-services/breastscreennt
• Australian Capital Territory: Breast Screen ACT: https://www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/services-and-clinics/services/breastscreen-act

This Could Save Your Life Podcast is under The Good GP podcast and 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

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

In this episode of The Good GP podcast, host Dr Karin Sekhon is joined by Dr Alison Creagh, a GP with a special interest in women's and sexual health. Dr Creagh shares her knowledge on the topic of emergency contraception, discussing its importance and available options.

They explain emergency contraception and its use in situations of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Dr Creagh outlines the three main options: two oral pills and the copper IUD. She highlights the copper IUD as the most effective method and addresses its limited accessibility and costs. For the oral pills, levonorgestrel and ulipristal, Dr Creagh explains their effectiveness, availability over-the-counter, and the potential side effects.

Discussing when to begin contraception after an emergency contraceptive method, considerations between the two pill options, and notable barriers to access in Australia. Dr Creagh emphasises the need for GPs to be informed about local resources and suggests patient resources to enhance understanding and access to emergency contraception.

Dr Creagh notes the importance of informing patients about emergency contraception, particularly for newly sexually active individuals and those using ongoing contraceptive methods. Which is essential for GPs looking to deepen their knowledge and improve patient care in the context of emergency contraception.

Link & Resources:

CLINICIANS:

• Therapeutic Guidelines: https://www.tg.org.au/
• FSRH guidelines: https://www.fsrh.org/Public/Public/Standards-and-Guidelines.aspx?hkey=86c80484-36fe-4d6d-96c6-05cdc8e7b8da

PATIENTS:

• SHQ Information Sheets: https://shq.org.au/resources/health-info/info-sheets/
• SHQ Emergency Contraception Information Sheet: https://shq.org.au/resources/health-info/info-sheets/emergency-contraception/

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 commercialization. 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

In this episode of The Good GP, join host Dr Krystyna De Lange as she revisits the topic of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with the multidisciplinary team from the Integrated Care Clinic for Disorders of Gut Brain Interaction at the PA Hospital in Brisbane. Following the previous episode focusing on the medical aspects of IBS, they explore the broader approach to managing IBS through diet, exercise, and psychological support.

Isabella Kibbe, a dietitian, delves into the low FODMAP diet, and its role in managing IBS symptoms and offers practical dietary strategies for GPs.

Exercise physiologist Jake O'Brien discusses the role of physical activity in alleviating IBS symptoms, such as improving motility and reducing bloating, alongside its holistic benefits, including stress reduction and enhancement of overall quality of life.

Psychologists Dr Paul Stanley and Elena Bild focus on the psychological aspects of IBS management through trauma-informed care, the significance of establishing rapport, acknowledging patients' experiences, and using cognitive behavioral techniques to address gut-directed anxiety.

The episode reinforces the importance of a patient-centred and holistic treatment approach to IBS and emphasises the impact of non-medical interventions in improving patient outcomes.

Links & Resources:

• Nutrition Education Materials Online (NEMO), IBS resources for patients/clinicians: Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) (health.qld.gov.au)
• Dietitians Australia 'Find an Dietitian' Tool - filter Dietitians by clinical area of work and location Find a Dietitian (dietitiansaustralia.org.au)
• Monash FODMAP resources: About FODMAPs and IBS | Monash FODMAP - Monash Fodmap

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