GPnotebook Podcast

GPnotebook

A bite-sized, regular chat for all healthcare professionals working in primary care. Episodes cover clinical tips and hot topics. New episodes published every Thursday or Friday.

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217 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes217

Newest first

Mar 21, 2024 · 17 min
Ep 97 – Peptic ulcer disease
The most common cause of peptic ulcers (gastric and duodenal) is infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, stress and certain medical conditions may also contribute to the development of peptic ulcers. Symptoms of peptic ulcer disease can vary but may include burning stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, bloating or belching and loss of appetite. Treatment typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medication to reduce stomach acid production, eradicate H. pylori infection (if present) and protect the lining of the stomach and small intestine. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson provides a thorough overview of peptic ulcer disease and talks about the latest advice on diagnosis, investigations and treatment. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/gastroenterology/ep-97-peptic-ulcer-disease. Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.
Mar 14, 2024 · 12 min
Ep 96 – Dysphagia
Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing. It can occur at any age and may be caused by various conditions, including neurological disorders, muscular disorders, structural abnormalities, or even psychological factors. Dysphagia can range from mild to severe, and it can lead to complications such as malnutrition, dehydration and aspiration pneumonia if not properly managed. The treatment for dysphagia depends on the underlying cause and may include dietary modifications, swallowing therapy, medication or surgery. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson takes an overview look at the causes, assessment, investigations and treatments of dysphagia, along with a reminder of oesophageal cancer, its treatment and prognosis. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/ear-nose-and-throat/ep-96-dysphagia. Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.
Mar 7, 2024 · 12 min
Ep 95 – Trigeminal neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a condition characterised by severe, shooting pain in the face, along the trigeminal nerve. The pain can be triggered by even mild stimulation of the face, such as brushing teeth, touching the face or eating. It is often described as one of the most excruciating pains known to medicine and it can significantly impact a person's quality of life. The exact cause of trigeminal neuralgia is often unknown and treatment options include carbamazepine or gabapentin, as well as surgical procedures that relieve pressure on the trigeminal nerve or disrupt the pain signals in some cases. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at what GPs need to know when patients present in surgery with trigeminal neuralgia, when to refer them to secondary care and the prognosis for these patients. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/neurology/ep-95-trigeminal-neuralgia. Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.
Feb 29, 2024 · 12 min
Ep 94 – Anal fissures
Anal fissures are small tears or cracks in the lining of the anus which can cause pain, bleeding and discomfort, particularly during bowel movements. They are quite common and can be caused by various factors such as constipation, diarrhoea, childbirth or anal trauma. Treatment often involves keeping the stool soft and avoiding straining during bowel movements. This may include dietary changes, fibre supplements, topical medications, or in some cases, surgery. In this episode – which has been suggested as a topic by one of our listeners – Dr Roger Henderson looks at these in more detail as well as when to refer, and the options available for treatment in secondary care. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/gastroenterology/ep-94-anal-fissures. Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.
Feb 22, 2024 · 13 min
Ep 93 – Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids are a very common finding in the Western world and are often seen in our surgeries. They are frequently under-reported so their exact incidence can be difficult to quantify; however, estimates are that 50% of the population experience them by the age of 50. Because many people attribute symptoms of more serious pathology to haemorrhoids, careful evaluation is always very important. Fortunately, most cases are simple to treat and often resolve very quickly, although up to 10% of sufferers may require surgery to fully alleviate their symptoms. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at the classification of haemorrhoids, their predisposing factors, symptoms — including red flag symptoms — and treatments. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/general-information/ep-93-haemorrhoids. Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.
Feb 15, 2024 · 34 min
Ep 92 – Digital wellbeing for patients
We live in an age of increasing digital connectivity where technology plays an ever-prominent role in peoples’ lives. While social media can provide a platform for support and connection, we are all susceptible to the negative effects of overuse or misuse, particularly on our sleeping patterns and our mental health. In this episode, the second in a series on digital wellbeing, Dr James Waldron interviews Dr Alex Lai of the WorkWell Doctors about the patient perspective. It explores how we can: 1) help patients understand the impacts of social media use on their wellbeing during clinical consultations; and 2) suggest strategies to promote healthy use of digital tools. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/mental-health/ep-92-digital-wellbeing-for-patients. Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.
Feb 8, 2024 · 16 min
Ep 91 – Lateral hip pain
Lateral hip pain is a common presenting complaint in primary care. It can result in significant morbidity with reduction in activity levels and associated implications for leisure activities, employment and overall wellbeing. In this episode, Dr Kate Chesterman reviews the likely differential diagnoses, including some key questions to consider when assessing a patient with lateral hip pain. She then delves deeper into the diagnosis of greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), exploring the reasons why it is no longer referred to as trochanteric bursitis, initial management options, the value of corticosteroid injections and indications for onward referral. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/musculoskeletal-medicine/ep-91-lateral-hip-pain. Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.
Feb 2, 2024 · 34 min
Ep 90 – Digital wellbeing for clinicians
We are constantly connected to the web! You are likely connected right now, trying to decide what podcast to listen to! In this episode, Dr James Waldron interviews Dr Alex Lai of the WorkWell Doctors in the first of a series about staying well in an increasingly digital world. How do we check in with our use of digital tools? What impact might it have on our concentration and mental health? All will be explored in this episode. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/mental-health/ep-90-digital-wellbeing-for-clinicians. Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.
Jan 25, 2024 · 14 min
Ep 89 – Bowen’s disease
Bowen's disease, also known as squamous cell carcinoma in situ, is a type of skin disorder characterised by the presence of precancerous or intra-epidermal squamous cell carcinoma. It was named after John T. Bowen, the dermatologist who first described the condition in 1912. Bowen's disease primarily affects the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) and is considered a form of non-invasive skin cancer. Bowen's disease most commonly occurs on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, neck, head, hands and forearms. However, it can also occur in areas not exposed to the sun. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at how best to diagnose and manage Bowen’s disease, as well as looking at its prognosis and prevention. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/dermatology/ep-89-bowens-disease. Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.
Jan 18, 2024 · 13 min
Ep 88 – Obsessive–compulsive disorder
Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a prevalent mental health condition characterised by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at alleviating anxiety. Individuals with OCD often find themselves trapped in a distressing cycle, as compulsions provide only temporary relief, perpetuating the need for repetition. OCD manifests in diverse forms, such as checking, counting or washing rituals, and its severity can range from mild to debilitating. Despite widespread misconceptions, OCD extends beyond a mere desire for order and cleanliness, impacting various aspects of daily life. Genetic, neurological, and environmental factors contribute to its development, and it often emerges in adolescence or early adulthood. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson provides an overview of OCD, what we should be looking for to help identify patients with this condition, along with guidelines on effective treatments including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/mental-health/ep-88-obsessive-compulsive-disorder. Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.
Jan 12, 2024 · 14 min
Ep 87 – Depression in adults
NICE published its last guideline on depression in 2009. Since that time, the prevalence of depression has increased, especially among vulnerable adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. NICE published a new guideline in June 2022 to reflect this. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at the new recommendations on managing depression in primary care, along with services providing psychological therapies that update and replace the 2009 guideline. Among the topics covered are treatments for first depressive episodes, advice on preventing relapse and withdrawing from antidepressant treatment. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/mental-health/ep-87-depression-in-adults. Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.
Dec 15, 2023 · 17 min
Ep 86 – Inflammatory marker testing
Many pathology tests are ordered unnecessarily in primary care and this can include testing for inflammatory markers. The most common examples of tests typically ordered are for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, with occasional requests for plasma viscosity (PV) too. Although such tests can be useful in giving some information as to a patient’s inflammatory response in certain conditions, their lack of specificity means that they are not perfect tests and interpretation is not always straightforward. In this podcast, Dr Roger Henderson looks at how inflammatory markers work, what may or may not constitute a normal reading and what to do with abnormal results. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/immunology/ep-86-inflammatory-marker-testing. Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.
Dec 1, 2023 · 13 min
Ep 85 – Hyperhidrosis
Sweating is a crucial way to reduce our body temperature, such as when doing strenuous physical activity or when in a hot environment. Hyperhidrosis is defined as excessive sweating beyond what is physiologically required or normal. It can be categorised as primary (idiopathic), secondary to other conditions, or as a side effect of some medications. Primary hyperhidrosis can affect people at any age, but often starts in early life. The diagnosis of hyperhidrosis is typically made initially on the clinical history, and this can also determine between primary or secondary hyperhidrosis. It is usually diagnosed where there is visible sweating, which interferes with daily activities and which has lasted for at least 6 months. In this podcast, Dr Roger Henderson discusses what to look for when making the diagnosis, what investigations to undertake and the range of treatments currently available. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/dermatology/ep-85-hyperhidrosis. Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.
Nov 24, 2023 · 11 min
Ep 84 – Testosterone deficiency
Testosterone deficiency (TD) is an increasingly common problem with significant health implications, but the diagnosis and management of this condition may present problems in primary care. Low levels of testosterone in men are associated with increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes mellitus, worse outcomes in chronic kidney disease and COVID-19 infection (with increased all-cause mortality), along with significant implications in the areas of mental health and relationships. In this podcast, Dr Roger Henderson provides a reminder of how to diagnose TD — including from the patient’s history as well as clinical findings — and current guidelines on its management. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/diabetes-and-endocrinology/ep-84-testosterone-deficiency. Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.
Nov 17, 2023 · 14 min
Ep 83 – Management of dry skin conditions in skin of colour
Dry skin is an extremely common condition that occurs in all skin colours and ethnic groups; however, differences in skin colour can cause significant differences in the incidence, presentation and treatment of different skin conditions. Although dry skin may cause similar symptoms among different skin tones, the appearance may make it more challenging to easily recognise – a fact highlighted by hospital admissions linked to eczema being up to six times more likely in people of colour than in people with light skin. In this podcast, Dr Roger Henderson looks at the reasons for this, what impact skin of colour can have on both diagnosing and managing dry skin conditions and how best to manage dry skin in people with skin of colour. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/dermatology/ep-83-the-management-of-dry-skin-conditions-in-skin-of-colour. Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.
Nov 3, 2023 · 13 min
Ep 82 - Pityriasis capitis (dandruff)
Although pityriasis capitis (dandruff) is not a serious medical condition, it causes significant embarrassment and self-esteem issues in many people who suffer from it. It is extremely common, affecting up to half the global adult population, and its recurring nature is often a source of frustration. It can impact on primary care workload and can also be mistaken for other scalp conditions such as scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis or atopic eczema. In this podcast Dr Roger Henderson looks at how to distinguish dandruff from these conditions as well as how to effectively treat dandruff to stop patients from needing repeated consultations. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/dermatology/ep-82-pityriasis-capitis-dandruff. Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.
Oct 26, 2023 · 13 min
Ep 81 – Lyme disease
Lyme disease can present a number of particular difficulties in primary care, and these are often linked to clinical findings and the availability and timing of testing. In this podcast, Dr Roger Henderson discusses those and looks at Lyme disease’s three stages — early, disseminated and late — and whether it can be diagnosed clinically if erythema migrans is or is not present. He also looks at diagnostic difficulties and whether acute or convalescent serological testing is helpful. Treatment with antibiotics is also discussed along with prognostic indicators. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/infectious-disease/ep-81-lyme-disease. Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.
Oct 19, 2023 · 30 min
Ep 80 – Altitude medicine: heightening understanding of “travel consultations”
With tourism having now rebounded from the declines during and after the coronavirus pandemic, our patients are once again travelling globally. But what happens when their destination is 5000 metres above sea level? Many GPs will have been faced with a “travel consultation”, but it can be a daunting prospect when carried out infrequently. What are the risks of high altitude? What medication might be needed? And why might beer taste funny at high altitude? In this episode, Dr James Waldron asks Dr Rashbal Ghattaora about his experiences working at high altitude in Tibet. They discuss how to approach a travel consultation, relevant medications, counselling and much more. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/general-information/ep-80-altitude-medicine-heightening-understanding-of-travel-consultations. Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.
Oct 2, 2023 · 31 min
Ep 79 – Child mental health
The number of young people struggling with anxiety and depression seems to be on the rise and resources to help these young people are increasingly stretched. In this episode, Dr Kate Chesterman and Dr Dave Ledward (GP with an interest in mental health) discuss the growing problem of managing the mental health of children. They focus on the vital role that parents and caregivers play in supporting young people through emotional turmoil and discuss the educational sessions that Dave has run for the families of young people with mental health issues. Dave discusses some of the pitfalls and traps that caregivers can fall into when trying to support their young people and shares his top tips for parents and professionals to help manage an emotional crisis. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/mental-health/ep-79-child-mental-health. Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.
Sep 11, 2023 · 25 min
Ep 78 – The 6-week baby check
In this episode, Dr Hannah Rosa is joined by Dr Shan, a GP colleague and father to Oscar, an 8-week-old baby. Together, they go through the 6-week baby check, while discussing the recently updated guidance from Public Health England. They also explore the key role that the examination plays in screening for a variety of physical conditions, which, if picked up early, can make a huge difference to the future health of a child. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/paediatrics/ep-78-the-6-week-baby-check. Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.