Primary Care Knowledge Boost

A current concern for primary care clinicians is how to manage end of life care in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lisa and Sara are joined by Dr Liam Hosie, Dr Adam Firth and Dr Viren Mehta who have sifted through the key information and guidelines that are available on this topic.

We talk about:

• Advanced care planning

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Useful resources: 

Dr Adam Firth Stockport Grand Round: Making sense of symptom control guidance in suspected COVID - a GPs perspective: https://app.box.com/s/in48s14ee7r1c0pzk2i63m914gr1p0um

NG31 NICE Guidelines: Care of dying adults in the last days of life (Dec 2015): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng31

GMMMG Guidelines: Palliative care pain and symptom control: http://gmmmg.nhs.uk/docs/guidance/GMMMG-Palliative-Care-Pain-and-Symptom-Control-Guidelines-for-Adults-v1-1.pdf#search=%22end%20of%20life%22

RCGP: Community palliative, end of life and bereavement care in the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020): https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/pluginfile.php/149342/mod_resource/content/1/COVID%20Community%20symptom%20control%20and%20end%20of%20life%20care%20for%20General%20Practice%20FINAL.PDF

NICE COVID-19 rapid guideline: Managing symptoms (including at the end of life) in the community (Apr 2020): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng163

Hospice UK guidance including advice for carers and health care professionals: https://www.hospiceuk.org/what-we-offer/clinical-and-care-support/coronavirus-guidance

Harvard Business Review: That Discomfort You’re Feeling Is Grief: https://hbr.org/2020/03/that-discomfort-youre-feeling-is-grief

Funerals and Dying in Absentia: Inspiration and tips during COVID-19: http://www.orderofthegooddeath.com/funerals-dying-in-absentia-inspiration-tips-during-covid-19

RCGP: End of Life Care Quality Improvement Resources: https://www.rcgp.org.uk/clinical-and-research/resources/a-to-z-clinical-resources/daffodil-standards/end-of-life-care-quality-improvement-resources.aspx

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We really want to make these episodes relevant and helpful: if you have any questions or want any particular areas covered then contact us on Twitter @PCKBpodcast, or leave a comment on our really quick anonymous survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YYQ763C

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This podcast has been made with the support of Wigan CCG and GP Excellence in Greater Manchester. Given that they are recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. 

The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.

Lisa and Sara are joined by GPs Dr Viren Mehta and Dr Joanna Bircher who summarise new guidelines and evidence relevant in primary care this week.

Covered this episode:

• Clinically recognised natural courses of COVID-19 infection

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Useful resources: 

• NICE COVID-19 rapid guideline managing suspected or confirmed pneumonia in adults in the community:
  

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We really want to make these episodes relevant and helpful: if you have any questions or want any particular areas covered then contact us on Twitter @PCKBpodcast, or leave a comment on our really quick anonymous survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YYQ763C

 ____

This podcast has been made with the support of Wigan CCG and GP Excellence in Greater Manchester. Given that they are recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. 

The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.

In this, our second of the COVID-19 specific episodes, GPs Lisa and Sara are joined electronically by Dr Dan Bunstone (GP and Clinical Director of Warrington CCG and Chief Medical Officer at Push Doctor) and Dr Joanna Bircher (GP partner, clinical director for GPExcellence and Pandemic Lead for her PCN).

We discuss:

• Advantages of telephone and video consultations including how to use the golden minute, picking up cues on video consults and when they might be most useful.

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Useful resources 

• Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health Covid-19 specific guidelines: 
  

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We really want to make these episodes relevant and helpful: if you have any questions or want any particular areas covered then contact us on Twitter @PCKBpodcast, or leave a comment on our really quick anonymous survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YYQ763C

 ____

This podcast has been made with the support of Wigan CCG and GP Excellence in Greater Manchester. Given that they are recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. 

The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.

We have decided to take a break from our normal release schedule to do a special, weekly series about the COVID-19 situation which is unfolding. Our hope is that we can provide some useful and practical information for everyone within primary care during this difficult time. 

In this first episode we talk to Dr Joanna Bircher (GP partner, clinical director for GPExcellence and Pandemic Lead for her PCN) and Dr Viren Mehta (GP partner, clinical director of his PCN and clinical director for Stockport CCG). 

We summarise some of the Standard Operating Procedure from 19th March with practical tips on how to implement this.

We think about ways that surgeries can reduce their footfall and protect staff and patients from exposure.

We also touch on which normal general practice services should continue during this time and where to look for guidance.

We talk about some ways to look after your staff, and speak specifically about home visits.

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Useful resources: 

NHS England Standard Operating Procedure for General Practice (19th March 2020): https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/primary-care/general-practice/standard-operating-procedures/

RCGP Guidance on workload prioritisation during COVID-19 (23rd March 2020): https://www.rcgp.org.uk/-/media/Files/Policy/A-Z-policy/2020/covid19/RCGP%20guidance/202003233RCGPGuidanceprioritisationroutineworkduringCovidFINAL

PPE video for UK primary care: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zpg64grevO0

Website collating useful COVID-19 links: https://primarycarepathways.co.uk/covid19

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We really want to make these episodes relevant and helpful: if you have any questions or want any particular areas covered then contact us on Twitter @PCKBpodcast, or leave a comment on our really quick anonymous survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YYQ763C

 ____

This podcast has been made with the support of Wigan CCG and GP Excellence in Greater Manchester. Given that they are recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. 

The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.

In this week’s episode Lisa and Sara speak to Professor Anthony Jones and Consultant Physiotherapist William Gregory from Salford Royal Foundation Trust to learn more about Fibromyalgia. In part 1 we cover what the condition involves, the central sensitisation theory, useful examination tips and differentials to consider. We also talk about simple ways of explaining a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia to your patients. 

In part 2 (which will be released in 2 weeks), we break down management options as well as hearing about research and resources helpful to patients and practitioners.

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Useful resources: 

Fibromyalgia prevalence at 1 in 10:  Mansfield et al (2016) A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of chronic widespread pain in the general population. Pain 157:1 

American College of Rheumatology (ACR)  2016 fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria: Wolfe F, Clauw DJ, FitzCharles M, Goldenberg D, Hauser W, Katz RS, Russell IJ, Mease PJ, Russell A, Walitt B. 2016 Revisions to the 2010/2011 Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Criteria. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2016;68 (suppl 10)  

Currently available checklist for Fibromyalgia diagnosis on ACR website:  

A version of the 2016 ACR checklist (amended from the 2010 version): 

National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society - Have you got the S factor?:

FMA UK website (for patient info and list of local support groups): http://www.fmauk.org/

Changes in healthcare utilisation pre- versus post- diagnosis; Hughes et al (2006) The impact of a diagnosis of fibromyalgia on healthcare resource use by primary care patients in the UK. Arthritis and Rheumatism (54, 1, p177-183) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16385513

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Have feedback or suggestions? You can help us know how we are doing with our 3 minute survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YYQ763C

 ____

This podcast has been made with the support of Wigan CCG and GP Excellence in Greater Manchester. Given that they are recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. 

The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.

Bronchiectasis can sometimes be overlooked amongst the other, more common lung conditions such as COPD. Because of this, it can be difficult for primary care clinicians to be fully aware of how to comprehensively diagnose and manage patients who have this condition. 

Lisa and Sara talk to respiratory consultant Dr Ashish about bronchiectasis. We learn exactly what this condition is, what the risk factors are for developing it, and when we should be suspicious of it as a cause. We also talk through important differentials to think about, what to look for on examination and which investigations to do (and the reliability of these). We finish by hearing about the role of sputum samples and what we can be doing in Primary Care to manage patients with bronchiectasis alongside Secondary Care.

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Useful resources: 

Table showing targeted antibiotic choices in bronchiectasis on NICE CKS: https://cks.nice.org.uk/bronchiectasis#!scenario:1 

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Have feedback or suggestions? You can help us know how we are doing with our 3 minute survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YYQ763C

 ____

This podcast has been made with the support of Wigan CCG and GP Excellence in Greater Manchester. Given that they are recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. 

The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) can be difficult to identify in primary care and unfortunately for some patients, currently carries a poor prognosis; the median survival for those with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is only 3–3.5 years (https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Interstitial-lung-disease-service-adult.pdf).

Lisa and Sara talk to respiratory consultant Dr Ashish about this condition. We learn about when to be suspicious about a diagnosis of ILD, who is at risk and the symptoms and signs. We also hear about the reliability of the different investigations that are recommended in primary care and what happens after we have referred someone to outpatient respiratory clinic. We end with talking through how to manage exacerbations in these patients, prognosis and a little bit about fitness to fly.

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Useful resources: 

IPF Lung Sounds: https://www.insightsinipf.com/clinical-resources/auscultation/gallery/

GMMMG Shared Care Guidelines: http://gmmmg.nhs.uk/html/gmmmg_app_scgs.php

Fitness to Fly article from British Thoracic Society Standards of Care Committee: 'Managing passengers with respiratory disease planning air travel': https://thorax.bmj.com/content/57/4/289

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Have feedback or suggestions? You can help us know how we are doing with our 3 minute survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YYQ763C

 ____

This podcast has been made with the support of Wigan CCG and GP Excellence in Greater Manchester. Given that they are recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. 

The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.

Worldwide, sepsis kills more people than cancer (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51138859). In 2050 it is predicted antibiotic resistance will kill more than cancer (http://bsac.org.uk/securing-new-drugs-for-future-generations/). What a difficult balance!

Lisa and Sara opportunistically talk to Trafford GP Dr Anya Leaver about antibiotic prescribing in Greater Manchester. We discuss the issues, recent changes in local guidelines, helpful tips to improve prescribing practice, great resources and ideas for practice audits. 

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Useful resources: 

Trafford’s two page CCG Antibiotic guidelines. Not online but may be available on request from: [email protected]

Other Greater Manchester CCG Medicine Management Teams available from link: http://psnc.org.uk/greater-manchester-lpc/service-information/medicines-management-and-guidance/

GMMMG Antimicrobial Guidelines: http://gmmmg.nhs.uk/html/cgp.php

TARGET leaflets for patients from RCGP (including 'Treating your infection UTI'): https://www.rcgp.org.uk/clinical-and-research/resources/toolkits/amr/target-antibiotics-toolkit.aspx

'When should I worry?' leaflets and online resources including e-learning: http://www.whenshouldiworry.com/

Fever Pain score for sore throats: https://ctu1.phc.ox.ac.uk/feverpain/index.php

Why the guidelines were changed for treating Chlamydia: https://www.bashhguidelines.org/current-guidelines/urethritis-and-cervicitis/chlamydia-2015/

ESPAUR report (national data on antibiotic prescribing and resistance): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/english-surveillance-programme-antimicrobial-utilisation-and-resistance-espaur-report

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Have feedback or suggestions? You can help us know how we are doing with our 3 minute survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YYQ763C

 ____

This podcast has been made with the support of Wigan CCG and GP Excellence in Greater Manchester. Given that they are recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. 

The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.

Lisa and Sara talk to several different primary care professionals about portfolio working.

Dr Anya Leaver, Dr Hussain Gandhi, Practice Nurse Alyson Rimmer, Dr Nikesh Vallabh, and Dr Saira Zaman share with us their journey into Primary Care, how they got involved in their different roles outside of clinical work, what it means to them and advice for those out there wanting to explore adding variety to their working week.  

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Useful resources: 

• eGP Learning (made by Dr Gandhi): https://egplearning.co.uk/

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Have feedback or suggestions? You can help us know how we are doing with our 3 minute survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YYQ763C

 ____

This podcast has been made with the support of Wigan CCG and GP Excellence in Greater Manchester. Given that they are recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. 

The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.

Lisa and Sara talk to GPwSI, Dr Rachel Hilton about Urticaria (aka hives/wheals). 

She talks us through the pathophysiology, causes, potential triggers, history, examination and management of this sometimes difficult area.

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Useful resources: 

• Skin Support Website (urticaria page): http://skinsupport.org.uk/conditions-details/urticaria-and-angioedema

 ____

Have feedback or suggestions? You can help us know how we are doing with our 3 minute survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YYQ763C

 ____

This podcast has been made with the support of Wigan CCG and GP Excellence in Greater Manchester. Given that they are recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. 

The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.