GPnotebook Podcast

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland, is increasingly common as people get older, but it may often be undiagnosed or diagnosed late due to the insidious nature of some of its symptoms. These include fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, hair loss and depression. Common causes of hypothyroidism include autoimmune diseases, thyroid surgery, radiation therapy, certain medications and iodine deficiency, which is the leading cause globally. Treatment typically involves hormone replacement therapy, and with proper treatment and monitoring most people with hypothyroidism can lead normal, healthy lives. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson provides an overview of hypothyroidism and considers differential diagnoses, testing, referral criteria, thyroxine replacement principles and prognosis.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/diabetes-and-endocrinology/ep-109-hypothyroidism

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Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is prevalent in around 5–10% of the population and can result in an impact on quality of life that is comparable to conditions such as type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis. It can result in significant impairments in sleep, energy, daily activities and behaviour and is associated with anxiety and depression in those who experience it. In this episode, Dr Kate Chesterman discusses the diagnosis and investigation of this distressing condition along with three principles that will help to guide its management.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/neurology/ep-108-restless-leg-syndrome

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an extremely common condition seen in clinical practice, and one which can cause considerable difficulties in older men. Common symptoms include frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, weak urine stream or the need to urinate during the night – all of which significantly impact on quality of life. Treatment options vary depending on symptom severity and can include no treatment, medication, minimally invasive procedures or surgery. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at the key things to remember when assessing a patient with BPH and covers the newer treatments now available as well as more traditional conventional options.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/urology/ep-107-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

Understanding sexual violence is vitally important in primary care. A GP may be the first (or only) individual spoken to by a person who has experienced sexual violence. But how often does the experience disclosed represent the full scope of the issue? How much sexual violence goes unreported? What has changed about our understanding of sexual violence and its context? In this episode, the first of a series looking at this topic, Dr James Waldron speaks with Hayley Wilson (Consent and Sexual Violence Development Officer at Nottingham Trent University) about the spectrum of problems related to sexual violence and the critical importance of understanding this topic and responding well from the outset.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/general-information/ep-106-sexual-violence-part-1

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

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 over recent decades. But what does this mean for us working in primary care? What are the benefits that increasing empathy in our clinical practice can bring, and how can we all develop this vital skill?

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/mental-health/ep-105-empathy-who-cares-exploring-empathy-in-health-care

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

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 episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at the aetiology of RA, diagnostic testing and the management pathway for patients with the condition.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/rheumatology/ep-104-rheumatoid-arthritis

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

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 of the tool, the differences between QRISK2 and QRISK3 (including the additional risk factors now included in the updated calculator) and the strengths and limitations of QRISK3 in understanding a person’s cardiovascular risk.

More information on Chronic Conditions month can be found here.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/cardiovascular-medicine/ep-103-primary-prevention-of-cardiovascular-disease-what-has-changed-in-qrisk3-and-why

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

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 encompasses two main conditions: diverticulosis and diverticulitis. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson takes an overview look at the symptoms and management of these as well as their prognosis and prevention.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/gastroenterology/ep-102-diverticular-disease

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

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 system responds by damaging the lining of the small intestine. This damage impairs the absorption of nutrients from food, leading to various symptoms and potentially serious complications. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at the diagnosis, testing and management of CD, along with the importance of longer-term follow-up in people with it.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/gastroenterology/ep-101-coeliac-disease

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

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 links alcohol as a primary cause of a variety of cancers, before finishing with a consideration of the economic cost.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/general-practice/ep-100-a-review-of-the-latest-research-on-alcohol

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.