GPnotebook Podcast

GPnotebook Podcast episodes:

• 05.16.2024

  Ep 105 – Empathy: who cares? Exploring empathy in health care

  In this episode, Dr Hannah Rosa discusses a topic which is at the heart of good clinical care: empathy. Research has shown that empathy decreases as medical students progress through medical school and that in society empathy levels have fallen...

  
• 05.09.2024

  Ep 104 – Rheumatoid arthritis

  Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints. Causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced joint motion, its exact cause is still unknown, but is believed to involve a combination of factors. In this...

  
• 05.02.2024

  Ep 103 – Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: what has changed in QRISK3 and why?

  In this episode, which has been recorded for Chronic Conditions Month 2024, Dr Yassir Javaid (GP with a Specialist Interest in Cardiology) examines the role of the QRISK3 calculator in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. He considers the development...

  
• 04.25.2024

  Ep 102 – Diverticular disease

  Diverticular disease is a condition characterised by the presence of small pouches, called diverticula, in the wall of the colon (large intestine). These pouches can develop when weak spots in the colon's muscular wall give way under pressure. Diverticular disease...

  
• 04.19.2024

  Ep 101 – Coeliac disease

  Coeliac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the small intestine and is triggered by the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and sometimes oats. When individuals with CD ingest gluten, their immune...

  
• 04.11.2024

  Ep 100 – Alcohol and health: a review of the latest research

  In this episode, Dr Hannah Rosa takes a look around the world at some of the different strategies that are being used to try to reduce the health complications caused by alcohol. She then looks at the latest research which...

  
• 04.04.2024

  Ep 99 – Assessment and management of obesity

  Obesity is a medical condition characterised by excessive accumulation of body fat, to the point where it may have adverse effects on health. Its incidence is steadily rising in both young people and adults. It is typically measured using BMI,...

  
• 03.28.2024

  Ep 98 – Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis

  Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is reported in 6% of women of reproductive age. It has a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life that is comparable to conditions such as asthma and migraine. Appropriate management of the acute infection and...

  
• 03.21.2024

  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...

  
• 03.14.2024

  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...

  
• 03.07.2024

  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...

  
• 02.29.2024

  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...

  
• 02.22.2024

  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...

  
• 02.15.2024

  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...

  
• 02.08.2024

  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...

  
• 02.02.2024

  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...

  
• 01.25.2024

  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...

  
• 01.18.2024

  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...

  
• 01.12.2024

  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,...

  
• 12.15.2023

  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...

  
• 12.01.2023

  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...

  
• 11.24.2023

  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...

  
• 11.17.2023

  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...

  
• 11.03.2023

  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...

  
• 10.26.2023

  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...

  
• 10.19.2023

  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...

  
• 10.02.2023

  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...

  
• 09.11.2023

  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...

  
• 08.16.2023

  Ep 77 – Recurrent urinary tract infection

  In this podcast, Dr Kate Chesterman discusses recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI). She covers the pathophysiology, some risk factors for UTI recurrence and treatment options including lifestyle changes and the use of antimicrobials. She also focuses on non-antimicrobial management, including...

  
• 07.27.2023

  Ep 76 – Passing the test of testosterone replacement: menopause and hormone replacement therapy (part 2)

  In this follow-up to episode 52, Dr James Waldron and Mr Sam Dobson (Consultant Gynaecologist, Sub-specialist in Reproductive Medicine and BMS-accredited Menopause Specialist) consider the impact of menopause on libido. They talk through the physical and psychological features of menopause...

  
• 07.21.2023

  Ep 75 – Expedition medicine (part 2)

  The call to adventure is felt by many and general practice is a career that can take you there! As GPs grow their portfolios, they look for interesting and unusual ways to forge their own paths. This can take them...

  
• 05.10.2023

  Ep 74 – Paediatric dietary allergy

  In this episode, Dr Kate Chesterman is joined by Dr Alex Brightwell (Consultant Paediatrician with a specialism in allergy) and Liz Ingham (Lead Paediatric Allergy Dietician), both of whom work at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Together, they explore...

  
• 04.28.2023

  Ep 73 – Sexual abuse in children

  In this episode, Dr Kate Chesterman talks to Dr Briony Arrowsmith, who is a Consultant Paediatrician at the Haven, a sexual assault referral centre in London. They discuss the many and varied ways that sexual abuse can present, as well...

  
• 04.21.2023

  Ep 72 – Back to basics: heart sounds and cardiac examination

  In this episode, which has been recorded for Chronic Conditions Month 2023, Dr Yassir Javaid (GP with a Specialist Interest in Cardiology) discusses auscultation of the heart sounds. Auscultation is an important aspect of the cardiac examination and can give...

  
• 04.14.2023

  Ep 71 – Expedition medicine (part 1)

  The call to adventure is felt by many and general practice is a career that can take you there! As GPs grow their portfolios, they look for interesting and unusual ways to forge their own paths. This can take them...

  
• 03.31.2023

  Ep 70 – Epicondylitis

  In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson discusses an approach to the assessment of epicondylitis. Elbow epicondylitis is more common than is often thought and can cause significant pain and movement restriction. There can also be a number of possible differential...

  
• 03.24.2023

  Ep 69 – Postnatal care: the maternal 6-week check

  In this episode, Dr Hannah Rosa looks in detail at the maternal side of the postnatal 6-week check. NICE’s quality standard on postnatal care is explored and topics, such as contraception after childbirth, are delved into in further detail. Thereafter,...

  
• 03.17.2023

  Ep 68 – Vitamin D deficiency in adults

  Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for human health. It regulates calcium and phosphate homeostasis and is therefore vital for musculoskeletal functioning. In the UK, up to 50% of the adult population may be vitamin D insufficient...

  
• 03.10.2023

  Ep 67 – Actinic keratosis

  Actinic keratosis (AK) – also commonly known as solar keratosis – is a very common dermatological presentation in primary care, affecting large numbers of older people. It has the capacity to transform into a malignant lesion if untreated. In this...

  
• 03.03.2023

  Ep 66 – Childhood constipation

  In this podcast, Dr Kate Chesterman discusses constipation in children. She takes us through the clinical features associated with idiopathic constipation and red flags that would cause concern. She discusses disimpaction regimes and when these should be used, as well...

  
• 02.24.2023

  Ep 65 – Obstructive sleep apnoea

  Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a very common problem affecting around one and a half million adults in the UK, most of whom are undiagnosed and untreated. OSA has significant health consequences, including heart disease and an increased risk of...

  
• 02.17.2023

  Ep 64 – Primary care dermatology: skin of colour

  In this episode, Dr James Waldron and Dr Thuva Amuthan (GP with an Extended Role in Dermatology) explore dermatological presentations, treatments and complications in skin of colour. The topics that they cover include: inequalities faced in certain patient groups; the...

  
• 02.10.2023

  Ep 63 – Domiciliary oxygen guidance

  Oxygen is essential for our survival and is a powerful medical drug. Treatment with oxygen increases blood oxygen levels and helps to reduce cardiovascular workload. In this podcast, Dr Roger Henderson looks at how oxygen can be given in a...

  
• 01.27.2023

  Ep 62 – Cluster headaches

  In this podcast, Dr Kate Chesterman discusses cluster headaches. She talks through the clinical features that would lead to a diagnosis, the initial investigations in primary care and indications for a referral to a headache specialist. She considers the management...

  
• 01.16.2023

  Ep 61 – Autism

  In this episode Dr Hannah Rosa and Dr Nicky Mulgrew discuss autism and the role we play within general practice. They focus on when we should refer children and adults to specialists to get a possible diagnosis of autism and...

  
• 12.21.2022

  Ep 60 – Chronic spontaneous urticaria

  Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common problem, often affecting younger people. It refers to chronic urticaria that has no obvious cause or trigger and which causes weals to occur on the skin most days for 6 weeks or more....

  
• 12.08.2022

  Ep 59 – Primary care dermatology: improving care by getting back to basics

  Dermatology is a vast subject and accounts for a significant proportion of the workload in general practice. Managing dermatological conditions can be a challenge and staying up-to-date is equally so. In this episode, Dr James Waldron and Dr Thuva Amuthan...

  
• 11.11.2022

  Ep 58 – Hypertension management

  After smoking and diet, hypertension is the biggest risk factor in the UK for premature death and disability. One in four people have hypertension in the UK, with around one in three treated to target. In this episode, Dr Roger...

  
• 10.05.2022

  Ep 57 – Malnutrition in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

  Malnutrition can have significant adverse effects for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this podcast, Dr Kate Chesterman discusses how to identify and categorise those at risk of malnutrition. She also discusses how to treat malnutrition, including the...

  
• 09.23.2022

  Ep 56 – Dry skin and its impact on mental health

  Dry skin conditions are one of the commonest skin problems that present to primary care physicians, but their psychological impact and psychiatric comorbidities are often underestimated. In this podcast episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at dry skin, its impact on...