RCGP eLearning Podcast

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

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.

Studies report that between 4-51% of women are affected by heavy periods. 

This Essential Knowledge Update (EKU2018.3) podcast explores the assessment and management of heavy menstrual bleeding.

Endometriosis is associated with infertility and is also associated with a lower quality of life with women taking more sick days because of the condition.

This Essential Knowledge Update (EKU2018.2) podcast explores the diagnosis and management of endometriosis in primary care. 

The National Review into Asthma Deaths in 2014 found that 46% of asthma deaths may have been avoidable if guidelines were followed.

This Essential Knowledge Update (EKU2018.2) podcast discusses the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and chronic asthma management in primary care.

Axial spondyloarthritis is often misdiagnosed as mechanical back pain. There is an average delay of 8.5 years between symptom onset and diagnosis. 

This Essential Knowledge Update (2018.1) podcast provides an overview of spondyloarthritis and offers information and guidance on its diagnosis, investigations and (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) management in primary care.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the fifth leading cause of death in the UK.

This Essential Knowledge Update (EKU2017.3) podcast explores the 2017 GOLD (Global initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease) guidelines and the Cochrane review of Long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) plus long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) versus LABA plus inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Its provides information on the diagnosis of COPD, including history, chest x-ray and spirometry, and treatment (including long-term oxygen therapy). It also highlights the COPD value pyramid which shows the cost effectiveness of different treatments for COPD.

The point prevalence of dermatitis in the UK is estimated to be about 20%, with atopic/endogenous dermatitis making up the majority of cases.

This Essential Knowledge Update (EKU2017.3) podcast discusses the 2017 British Association of Dermatologists guideline on contact dermatitis and how the condition is diagnosed and managed in primary care. It explore the irritant and allergic responses and the assessment and treatment/therapies for patients presenting with the condition. 

5.4 million people in the UK are currently receiving treatment for asthma - 1.1 million children (1 in 11) and 4.3 million adults (1 in 12).

This Essential Knowledge Update (EKU2017.2) podcast discusses the management of asthma in primary care including the criteria for assessing and diagnosing asthma in both children and adults, allergy testing, treatments (both non medication such as breathing exercises and medical treatments) and occupational asthma. 

About 20% of adults have chronic non-cancer pain, and approximately 25% of those will benefit long-term from prescription opioids.

This Essential Knowledge Update (EKU2017.2) podcast discusses two papers (from the European Pain Federation and the New England Journal of Medicine) with different views on the use of opioids in chronic pain and how this evidence can be translated into primary care.