The Good GP

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Sean Stevens is joined by Dr Alison Creagh, a GP specialising in women's health and sexual and reproductive health, with over 20 years of experience in this field. Alison sheds light on the issue of intimate partner violence and its impact on the health of those affected, particularly women. She discusses how intimate partner violence differs from domestic violence and emphasises the importance of GPs in addressing this prevalent issue.

Delving into why patients may be reluctant to discuss intimate partner violence with their GPs and offers insights into how GPs can effectively broach this sensitive topic with their patients. Alison provides practical guidance on identifying potential signs of intimate partner violence and outlines gentle and effective approaches for GPs to initiate conversations with their patients.

Furthermore, Alison shares valuable resources and support services available to GPs and patients dealing with intimate partner violence, emphasising the need for confidentiality and sensitivity in handling such cases. Concluding with the discussion on additional learning opportunities and resources for GPs to further their understanding and approach in addressing intimate partner violence.

Resources for Getting Help on Intimate Partner Violence across Australia:

National

1800 RESPECT

Counselling, information and referral for people experiencing abuse, friends and family and health

professionals.

1800 737 732

MensLine Australia

For men with concerns about abuse, including those who are abusive.

1300 789 978

White Ribbon

Lists national helplines available according to needs.

whiteribbon.org.au/helplines

ACT

Domestic Violence Crisis Service

02 6280 0900

NSW

NSW Domestic Violence Line

Counselling and referrals for women experiencing DV

1800 656 463

NSW Department Communities and Justice

Online information source, with quick exit buttons

https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/children-and-families/family-domestic-and-sexual-violence.html

Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services

Provide information, advocacy and referrals for women and children, and support accessing restraining orders

legalaid.nsw.gov.au/about-us/our-partners/womens-domestic-violence-court-advocacy-program

NT

Domestic, family and sexual violence page from NT government

Lists local support services according to region

nt.gov.au/law/crime/domestic-family-and-sexual-violence/get-help-for-domestic-family-and-sexual-violence

QLD

DVConnect Womensline

Support, accommodation, counselling and referrals for women experiencing family or domestic violence

1800 811 811

DVConnect Mensline

Support, counselling and referrals for men affected

1800 600 636

Government Domestic & Family Violence page

Information about services available

qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/support-victims-abuse/domestic-family-violence

Domestic Violence Prevention Centre

Counselling, practical support, safety planning and referrals

07 5532 9000

SA

Domestic and family violence & sexual assault support services

Listings of supports available for specific issues

sa.gov.au/topics/family-and-community/safety-and-health/domestic-violence-and-sexual-assault/support-services

Domestic Violence Crisis Line

Crisis counselling, support and accommodation referrals

1800 800 098

TAS

Family Violence Counselling and Support Service

Information, support, safety planning, assistance with police, referrals

1800 608 122

health.tas.gov.au/health-topics/family-violence/family-violence-counselling-and-support-service-fvcss

VIC

Family Violence Statewide Support Services

Lists the relevant support services available

vic.gov.au/family-violence-statewide-support-services

Safe Steps

Crisis support, information and accommodation

1800 015 188

WA

Crisis Care

Information and counselling for people in crisis

1800 199 008

Women’s Domestic Violence help

Information, referral, support, police liaison

1800 007 339

Men’s Domestic Violence help

For men who have experienced abuse themselves, or are concerned about their own abusive behaviour,

or been served with a restraining order

1800 000 599

Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing

Searchable information about who can provide help:

cwsw.org.au/directory

Women’s Legal Service WA

Useful resources on legal issues

Wlswa.org.au

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialization. Learn more at Talking HealthTech

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]

In this episode, host Tim Koh is joined by Dr Michael Wright, Chief Medical Officer for Avant Mutual and Chair of RACGP Expert Committee on Funding and Health System Reform, to discuss the do's and don'ts of telehealth consulting. They delve into the guidelines set by the Medical Board of Australia, the legislative requirements for Medicare billing, and the considerations for conducting telehealth consultations effectively. 

Michael emphasises the importance of maintaining the standard of care, patient identification, consent, and privacy protection in telehealth consultations. He also addresses the challenges and limitations of telehealth, including the need to transition to face-to-face consultations when necessary, staying compliant with Medicare billing requirements, and protecting oneself from potential issues and complaints related to telehealth consultations. 

Discussing the implications of patients accessing medical advice from outside of Australia and the responsibilities of GPs practising telehealth while travelling abroad. Exploring the use of other forms of communication, such as SMS, electronic messaging, and email, in patient consultation and information provision.

Resources & Links:

• Telehealth - Telehealth – what you need to know - Avant by doctors for doctors
• Guidelines - https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/Telehealth-consultations-with-patients.aspx

For Medical Practitioners in General Practice

Stay updated on the latest in healthcare, delivery, and digital health by visiting Talking HealthTech, the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialization. If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Sean Stevens welcomes Dr Paul Effler, Medical Coordinator of the Communicable Disease Control Directorate in WA, to discuss the new RSV immunisation, Nirsevimab. They explore the differences between traditional vaccines and Nirsevimab, its effectiveness, safety, target group, and the likelihood of a national rollout. They also dive into the seasonal patterns of RSV and the co-administration of Nirsevimab with other vaccines. Providing valuable insights into the development and potential impact of this new immunisation.

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialization. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Sean Stevens welcomes Dr Sarah Heynemann, a Melbourne-based early career medical oncologist and PhD candidate with Sydney Health Ethics, The University of Sydney. Dr Heynemann brings valuable insights into the changes in cancer care and cancer survivorship over the years. She discusses the impact of advances in cancer therapies, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies, on the prognosis and quality of life for patients with cancer, particularly those with historically poor prognoses. She emphasises the need for GPs to be aware of the ongoing supportive care needs of patients, even if the tumour appears stable, and highlights the importance of effective communication across multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive cancer survivorship care.

Additionally, Sarah sheds light on upcoming cancer therapies and emphasises the evolving role of GPs in navigating the complexities of cancer care.

Recommending two key resources – the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre’s online course for primary care practitioners and the Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre based out of Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. She also mentions an recent article in the Journal of Clinical Oncology which provides an overview of the future of survivorship for patients living with metastatic cancer.

Resources & Links:

• 'Cancer Survivorship for Primary Care Practitioners' VCCC course starts 25th March 2024. Weblink here: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/cancer-survivorship
• Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre based at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre https://www.petermac.org/patients-and-carers/support-and-wellbeing/life-after-treatment

• The article Sarah referenced was published last year in the Journal of Clinical Oncology https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.22.02212?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialization. Learn more at Talking HealthTech

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr. Krystyna de Lange is joined by Professor Lin Fritschi, an epidemiologist with expertise in occupational causes of cancer, to discuss the increasingly topical area of silicosis. They delve into the nature of silica dust, its harmful effects, and the occupational risks associated with it. Lin provides insights into the occupational screening needed for at-risk individuals, warning signs for symptomatic patients, and the counselling and preventative health points crucial for impacted patients.

Lin also sheds light on the mental health implications of silicosis, available compensation and support avenues, and essential resources for GPs to gather more information on the topic. Their discussion addressed the significance and urgency of acknowledging and addressing silicosis in the workplace and provides valuable guidance for healthcare professionals in dealing with affected patients.

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialization. Learn more at Talking HealthTech

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]

In this episode of The Good GP Podcast, host Dr Krystyna de Lange engages in a discussion with guest Deborah Hawthorne, a rural-based clinical pharmacist from Northeast Victoria, about the complexities of polypharmacy and the crucial need to reduce unnecessary medications.

Deborah emphasises the integral role of GPs in coordinating patient care and the importance of regularly reviewing medications to align with patient care goals.

The discussion centres on the challenges of polypharmacy, the need for medication review and deprescribing, and practical strategies for GPs to consider in patient care.

Deborah delves into the importance of medication review and deprescribing, emphasising the need to assess current therapeutic impact, potential side effects, and patient satisfaction with medications. She highlights the challenges of deprescribing certain medications and the need to taper them off gradually.

Delving into the rewarding aspect of simplifying medication regimens and the act of deprescribing, encompassing the reduction of medication strength, changing dosing intervals, and identifying prescribing cascades.

Additionally, Deborah mentions the availability of tools and guidelines, such as the:

- Drugs Burden Index Calculator (DBI)

- Beers Criteria

- CEASE

- ERASE

You can find links to deprescribing guidelines at the Australian Deprescribing Network ( https://www.australiandeprescribingnetwork.com.au/) and the Primary Health Network in Tasmania (https://www.primaryhealthtas.com.au/resources/deprescribing-resources/)

Exploring home medication reviews, their benefits, and reasons for referral, such as polypharmacy and cognitive issues. Hawthorne emphasises the value of conducting medication reviews in a patient's home to assess medication use, storage, and techniques and to provide education and confidence in managing medications.

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialization.

Learn more at: Talking HealthTech

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]

In this special episode of The Good GP, Dr Krystyna de Lange is joined by a number of doctors from current GPs in training through to experienced GPs and GP supervisors to share their top tips for having a successful placement in General Practice. Whether you are a GP in training just starting out, a GP supervisor or practice owner who supports trainees or even a GP just wanting a refresh, there is something in this episode for everyone.

Dr Bruce Willett, immediate past Vice President of the RACGP, emphasises the importance of considering the patient in front of you as your responsibility.

Dr Rebecca Loveridge, recently appointed chair of the RACGP GPs in training faculty, recommends creating templates for study notes and exam preparation.

Dr Emmon Mubbashir, a new fellow and international medical graduate, provides insights on the right time to write fellowship exams.

Dr Clay Rowe, an RVTS registrar, shares the importance of preparing for exams from day one and treating each patient consult like an exam question.

Dr Michael Clements, current vice president of the RACGP, stresses the significance of using time as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in general practice.

Dr Karen Savery, a GP and medical educator, encourages curiosity and asking questions as a key way to learn as a GP.

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Sean Stevens discusses the innovative use of AI in healthcare with Kai Van Lieshout, co-founder and CEO of Lyrebird Health, and Dr Ryan Vo, a practising GP and co-CEO of Nouveau Health Medical Centre Group.

Delving into the functionality and potential benefits of Lyrebird Health, a medical transcription tool that utilises AI to automate the process of transcribing doctor-patient consultations and generating comprehensive notes in as little as 10 seconds.

Kai explains the distinct features of Lyrebird Health, emphasising its ability to ambiently transcribe entire consultations in the background and automatically generate detailed notes, referrals, and patient letters post-consult.

The vision for Lyrebird Health is to empower healthcare practitioners by streamlining administrative tasks, enabling them to dedicate more time to patient care.

Dr Ryan Vo, as an end-user of Lyrebird Health, shares his experience of significant time savings, improved patient engagement, and enhanced rapport-building with patients. He underscores the tool's potential in streamlining processes, reducing operating expenses, and aiding clinicians in delivering enhanced patient care.

Kai addresses the risks associated with AI in healthcare, highlighting the importance of adherence to regulations governing software as a medical device, data privacy, and security. They also talked about the future potential of AI in general practice, with a focus on automation and how it can enhance patient care, practice efficiency, and streamline workflows.

About Lyrebird Health

Lyrebird is an AI clinical documentation platform purpose-built for healthcare providers. By automating the capture and structuring of clinical notes, Lyrebird reduces administrative burden, improves documentation accuracy, helps clinicians spend more time on patient care and elevates the clinical standard. Trusted by leading healthcare organisations and clinicians across Australia, the UK, and the UAE, Lyrebird is backed by leading investors committed to transforming the future of healthcare delivery.

Website here: https://www.lyrebirdhealth.com/au?utm_source=TheGoodGP&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=Show_Notes

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialization.

Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Tim Koh welcomes Glen Turner, Australia Health Lead of Parkrun Australia, to discuss the global health and social phenomenon that is Parkrun. 

As one of the largest weekly 5-kilometre events held in thousands of locations worldwide, Parkrun encourages physical activity, volunteering, and community support. Glenn and Tim delve into the non-competitive and inclusive nature of Parkrun, its relationship with general practitioners through the Parkrun Practices initiative, and the substantial evidence supporting its health benefits for both physical and mental well-being. 

They further encourage listeners to participate in Parkrun during the holiday season and share how to find and engage with Parkrun events in their communities.

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Sean Stevens welcomes Dr Roy Mariathas, a RACGP Fellow and digital health entrepreneur. 

Roy discusses the rise of artificial intelligence, its applications in healthcare, and the ethical considerations surrounding its use. 

He shares insights into the development of generative AI technologies like large language models and provides recommendations for GPs utilising software that incorporates AI. 

Roy also reflects on his experience in the Australian Clinical Entrepreneur Programme (AUSCEP) and its impact on his understanding of the intersection between healthcare and technology.

Resource & Links:

An analogy for LLMs/transformers - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/gps-guide-chatgpt-dr-roy-mariathas-nlsbc/

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]