RCGP eLearning Podcast

The Royal College of General Practitioners is the professional membership body for family doctors in the UK and overseas. This podcast is produced by the RCGP eLearning and Essential Knowledge Update teams and features discussions with clinical experts about a range of key topics in primary care.

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92 episodes
Updated July 1

Episodes92

Newest first

Jul 9, 2020 · 15 min
EKU2020.1: Hypertension in adults
Around 40% of adults have hypertension. It is a key risk factor for a range of prevalent diseases including ischaemic heart disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease. In this EKU2020.1 podcast we explore with Dr Kevin Barrett, a GP in Hertfordshire and RCGP Clinical Lead, the NICE Guideline on Hypertension, in particular blood pressure (BP) readings (including those taken at home, in clinic and ambulatory readings), changes in BP targets, the different stages of hypertension, treatment and referral.
Jun 2, 2020 · 14 min
Embedding personalised care in PCNs (PCD Podcast)
Dr Ollie Hart, GP, PCN Clinical Director, Clinical Commissioning Lead for Person Centred Care at Sheffield CCG and passionate exponent of personalised care, discusses the benefits for individual patients, health professionals and the whole system. Resources mentioned in the podcast NHS England (2019) Universal Personalised Care Implementing the Comprehensive Model Peak Health Coaching Nesta (2016) Ten actions to put people and communities at the heart of health and wellbeing Patient Activation Measure The Health Foundation National Voices
Jun 2, 2020 · 18 min
Being a Clinical Director in 2020- the highs and lows (PCD Podcast)
Dr Nicky Turner, GP in Buckinghamshire and Clinical Director for the Chalfonts PCN reflects on her personal leadership journey, and discusses some of the opportunities and challenges facing all clinical directors. This podcast was recorded prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Resources mentioned in the podcast. BMA PCN site Ockham Healthcare The King's Fund (2020) How to build effective teams in general practice
Jun 2, 2020 · 16 min
Developing a coaching mindset at your PCN (PCD Podcast)
Developing a coaching mindset at your PCNDr Tim Williams GP, coach and author discusses the value of coaching for leadership development both for individual PCN leaders, teams and the whole organisation. Resources mentioned in the podcast Kline, N. (1999). Time to think. London: Ward Lock. Kline, N. (2009). More time to think. Pool-in-Wharfedale: Fisher King Pub. NHS Leadership Academy Coaching & Mentoring. Programmes Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management Williams, T. (2015). Don’t ‘Just’ STOPIT.DOIT. Kibworth Beauchamp: Matador
Jun 2, 2020 · 24 min
Getting To Grips With Population Health (PCD Podcast)
A brief introduction to population health for Primary Care Networks (PCN) from Dr Kathrin Thomas a GP and Consultant in Public Health. The discussion includes a clear explanation of what a population health approach means, how it can address health inequalities and improve the health of your PCN population, and some practical suggestions as to how this might be achieved. Resources mentioned in the podcast Kings Fund Short video Public Health England: All Our Health: personalised care and population health Wales: Primary Care One website Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) Or see Glass Half Full Health Knowledge: collection of resources on public health
Apr 3, 2020 · 8 min
1. Introduction to telephone triage
This introductory episode discusses telephone triage from the perspective of a doctor who is new to it. We discuss how to set up a session of telephone triage to maximise success, how to structure and document the call and how to safety net. Some groups of patients can be particularly challenging and we talk about how to manage these challenges and how to know when triage won’t work and the patient has to be seen. Reviewed and updated: October 2025
Apr 3, 2020 · 5 min
2. Refresher on how to triage
Aimed at those coming back to triage after a break, this episode discusses new technology such as video calls and techniques to get started again, such as the golden minute. We also talk about the adaptation of basic communication skills to the triage call and how to handle the patient’s ideas, concerns and expectations. Reviewed and updated: October 2025
Dec 2, 2019 · 20 min
EKU2019.2: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
There are approximately 1.2 million patients with COPD in the UK with 115,000 new cases each year. However most people are diagnosed in their 50’s or older and a large number remain undiagnosed. This EKU2019.2 podcast explores the symptoms, investigations, referral, treatment and management of people with COPD with Dr Steve Holmes, a GP in Somerset and Education Lead with the Primary Care Respiratory Society.
Sep 27, 2019 · 22 min
Food allergy
Patients with allergy commonly present to GPs – some can be treated in primary care, whilst others will need referring to a hospital clinic or a GP with an interest in this area. In this podcast, Dr. Susan Leech, clinical lead for the paediatric allergy service at King’s hospital, discusses issues such as how to treat in primary care, when to refer and who should have an adrenaline auto-injector. The podcast also covers cows’ milk protein allergy and how to advise a patient who feels that they have an intolerance to certain foods. Editorial and content decisions were made solely by the RCGP. Reviewed: March 2026 Your feedback plays a crucial role in helping us improve the CPD products and services we offer. We would be grateful if you could please complete our short RCGP Podcast Survey, which will take no more than 5 minutes to complete.
Sep 27, 2019 · 17 min
Coeliac disease
In this podcast, Dr Charlie Andrews, committee member of the Primary Care Society of Gastroenterology and Clinical Champion for West of England for inflammatory bowel disease, discusses various aspects of coeliac disease, from when it should be considered through to longer term management. He offers hints to diagnostic clues which should prompt testing, and guidance on the process of testing, including consuming enough gluten in the run-up to investigating. Patients need support and information once the diagnosis is made, and Charlie explains what you can do as a GP and who else may need to be involved in their ongoing care. Reviewed: August 2026 Editorial and content decisions were made solely by the RCGP.
Apr 26, 2019 · 14 min
Contraception
Contraception is a rapidly changing field, with new devices becoming available and new guidelines being issued. RCGP Clinical Champion for Menstrual Wellbeing, Dr Anne Connolly, talks to Dr Toni Hazell about a variety of subjects in the area of contraception. She starts by discussing emergency contraception and how to choose between the two oral methods available and then goes on to discuss the UKMEC which is the main reference guideline for contraception safety. The podcast then covers the different hormonal intrauterine systems available, contraception in the peri-menopause and the use of extended pill taking. Reviewed and updated: October 2025
Nov 26, 2018 · 14 min
EKU2018.3: Abnormal liver blood tests
While deaths from other common conditions are falling, mortality from liver disease is increasing. There has been a 400% increase in deaths from liver disease between 1970-2010. This is higher in patients under the age of 65. This Essential Knowledge Update (EKU2018.3) podcast discussed the management of abnormal liver blood tests.