Primary Care Knowledge Boost

The Beauty of Balint Groups in General Practice

Doctors Lisa and Sara are joined by GP and Medical Educator Dr Alan Ng, working in Canada. We discuss what Balint groups are, starting from who Balint was. We go through the structure of a Balint session and why they exist in the form they do. We discuss the advantages to both Doctors and their patients of discussing cases within a Balint group and being part of a group. Discussions can help us gain a deeper understanding of the doctor-patient relationship and discover more about the dynamics and causes of our stresses in particular cases. 
 
You can use these podcasts as part of your CPD - we don’t do certificates but they still count :)
 
Useful resources: 
UK Balint Society: https://balintsociety.org.uk/
American Balint Society: www.americanbalintsociety.org
International Balint Federation: www.balintinternational.com
Balint, Michael. The Doctor, His Patient and the Illness. Churchill Livingstone  1957, 1963, 2000: https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/doctor-his-patient-and-the-illness-book-michael-balint-9780272792063
Salinsky, John and Sackin, Paul.  What Are You Feeling Doctor? Radcliffe 2000: https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/what-are-you-feeling-doctor-book-john-salinsky-9781857754070
Joanne Reeve and the idea of ‘Knowledge Work’: https://bjgplife.com/reclaiming-general-practice-tackling-our-workforce-crisis-with-wisegp/
Stojanovic-Tasic M, Latas M, Milosevic N, Aritonovic Pribakovic J, Ljusic D, Sapic R, Vucurevic M, Trajkovic G, Grgurevic A. Is Balint training associated with the reduced burnout among primary health care doctors? Libyan J Med. 2018 Dec;13(1):1440123: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29493438/
Van Roy K, Vanheule S, Inslegers R. Research on Balint groups: A literature review. Patient Educ Couns. 2015 Jun;98(6):685-94: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25681874/
Player M, Freedy JR, Diaz V, Brock C, Chessman A, Thiedke C, Johnson A. The role of Balint group training in the professional and personal development of family medicine residents. Int J Psychiatry Med. 2018 Jan-Mar;53(1-2):24-38. doi: 10.1177/0091217417745289. Epub 2017 Dec 13: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29235909/
Kjeldmand D, Holmström I. Balint groups as a means to increase job satisfaction and prevent burnout among general practitioners. Ann Fam Med. 2008 Mar-Apr;6(2):138-45. doi: 10.1370/afm.813: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18332406/
Mathers and Rowland (1997). General practice-a post-modern speciality? British Journal of General Practice, 47, 177-179: https://bjgp.org/content/47/416/177
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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 quick anonymous survey here: https://pckb.org/feedback
Email us at: primarycarepodcasts@gmail.com
___
This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board. Given that it is 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.

How General Practice can support International Medical Graduates

Doctors Lisa and Sara were delighted to interview Dr Sylvia Kama-Kieghe, a GP based in Sheffield with an interest in Women’s Health. She is the Chair of the Royal College of General Practice North of England International Medical Graduates Group. We start with what the group does, why it was set up and look at issues International Medical Graduates might face when working and training in the UK. We consider what practices, staff and supervisors can do to help make International Medical Graduates feel welcome and supported so that the experiences for all can be positive. 
 
A useful listen for all working in Primary Care and specifically those new to Practice in the UK and to Educational and Clinical GP Supervisors.
 
You can use these podcasts as part of your CPD - we don’t do certificates but they still count :)
Useful resources: 
Dr Sylvia Kama-Kieghe’s YouTube Channel for Women’s Health: https://www.youtube.com/c/AskAwayHealth
GMC Welcome to the UK pack for International Medical Graduates and Supervisors: https://www.gmc-uk.org/about/what-we-do-and-why/learning-and-support/workshops-for-doctors/welcome-to-uk-practice
Royal College of General Practitioners Resources for International Medical Graduates: https://www.rcgp.org.uk/blog/international-medical-graduates-support
Royal College of General Practitioners Guide for Overseas Doctors: https://www.rcgp.org.uk/your-career/overseas-doctors-guide
Royal College of General Practitioners International Medical Graduates Forum: https://forum.rcgp.org.uk/login
Guide on How the NHS works (2021): https://www.nhsemployers.org/system/files/media/Working-and-training-in-NHS-2021_0.pdf
International Medical Graduates Podcasts with Raykal Simm: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ZB88fc9X1tKftnYLhRytb?si=7c906c86bee34fbf
Our Episode on How General Practice is Funded (2024): https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-84rq4-15bc17f
___
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 quick anonymous survey here: https://pckb.org/feedback
Email us at: primarycarepodcasts@gmail.com
___
This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board. Given that it is 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.

Tips from an International Medical Graduate about joining General Practice

For the podcast this week we spoke to Dr Abid Ali Khan, a GP trainee in East London currently on a Clinical Fellowship in Leadership (National Medical Directors Clinical Fellow). We focused on his experiences as an International Medical Graduate to gain an understanding of the challenges he faced coming to the UK. We got his advice for other International Medical Graduates and those supporting IMGs. We have a second episode out next month focusing more on what practices and staff can do to help support International Medical Graduates.
 
A useful listen for all working in Primary Care and specifically those new to Practice in the UK and to Educational and Clinical GP Supervisors.
 
You can use these podcasts as part of your CPD - we don’t do certificates but they still count :)
Useful resources: 
GMC Welcome to the UK pack for International Medical Graduates and Supervisors: https://www.gmc-uk.org/about/what-we-do-and-why/learning-and-support/workshops-for-doctors/welcome-to-uk-practice
Royal College of General Practitioners Resources for International Medical Graduates: https://www.rcgp.org.uk/blog/international-medical-graduates-support
Royal College of General Practitioners Guide for Overseas Doctors: https://www.rcgp.org.uk/your-career/overseas-doctors-guide
Royal College of General Practitioners International Medical Graduates Forum: https://forum.rcgp.org.uk/login
Guide on How the NHS works (2021): https://www.nhsemployers.org/system/files/media/Working-and-training-in-NHS-2021_0.pdf
International Medical Graduates Podcasts with Dr Raykal Sim: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ZB88fc9X1tKftnYLhRytb?si=7c906c86bee34fbf
Our Episode on How General Practice is Funded (2024): https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-84rq4-15bc17f
___
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 quick anonymous survey here: https://pckb.org/feedback
Email us at: primarycarepodcasts@gmail.com
___
This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board. Given that it is 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.

Hepatitis C

Doctors Lisa and Sara talk to Hepatitis C GP Champion Dr Lindsey Kent and Greater Manchester Peer Programme Manager Tony Horrocks for an overview of Hepatitis C. We cover the basics around the virus and prevalence, potential symptoms and at risk groups to consider when offering testing. We discuss the great work being done to eradicate Hepatitis C in Manchester (and around the UK) including Tony’s personal story as well as his work as a Peer Programme Manager. Wonderful to hear the success rate for cure with medications and how the team ‘leave no one behind’. 
Great listening for all of us working in General Practice.
You can use these podcasts as part of your CPD - we don’t do certificates but they still count :)
 
Useful resources: 
NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries Hepatitis C (last revised Sept 2022): https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/hepatitis-c/
The Hepatitis C Trust UK Online Risk Checker: https://www.hepctrust.org.uk/hepatitis-c-risk-checker/
Order free Hepatitis C test UK: https://hepctest.nhs.uk/
Liverpool Hepatitis Interaction Checker: https://hep-druginteractions.org/checker
Greater Manchester and East Cheshire Hepatitis C Operational Delivery Network: https://research.cmft.nhs.uk/innovation-at-mft/hepatitis-c-operational-delivery-network-for-greater-manchester-and-east-cheshire
Aneesha Noonan’s podcast on Expanding hepatitis C elimination into Primary Care settings: https://youtu.be/U5TdLJdAGrI?si=Woy1nkVxfCztXaJY
Hep C U Later Primary Care Toolkit: https://www.hepculater.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Primary-Care-Toolkit-Final-with-links-v2-with-updated-date.pdf
Hep C U Later’s ‘Hep C Elimination Successes’: https://www.hepculater.com/hepatitis-c-elimination-successes/
Hep C U Later: GP practices can run a case finding tools (these are already installed on systems within general practice). If you’re interested in running these tools with support from other organisations email connect.HepCULater@mpft.nhs.uk so we can link you to the right people. NHS England » NHS set to eliminate Hepatitis C ahead of rest of the world: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2022/12/nhs-set-to-eliminate-hepatitis-c/
___
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 quick anonymous survey here: https://pckb.org/feedback
Email us at: primarycarepodcasts@gmail.com
___
This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board. Given that it is 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.

Round up of the Year 2024

Doctors Sara and Lisa discuss the podcast episodes over the year. We talk about our longer term learning points, how the year has gone and what's to come.
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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 quick anonymous survey here: https://pckb.org/feedback
Email us at: primarycarepodcasts@gmail.com
___
This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Wigan CCG. Given that it is 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.

Constipation in Palliative Patients

Doctors Lisa and Sara talk to Locum Consultant Dr Caitriona MacDermott about assessing and managing constipation in Palliative Patients. A common symptom with a significant impact on people’s quality of life, the episode aims to get across the importance of the topic, the often multifactorial nature of clinical scenarios, the red flags not to miss and arm you with a logical and holistic approach to management. We discuss how management might differ for patients with certain conditions such as partial bowel obstruction, neurological causes, or liver disease. An important listen for those of us in the community looking after palliative patients. 
 
You can use these podcasts as part of your CPD - we don’t do certificates but they still count :)
 
Useful resources: 
Greater Manchester Palliative Care Symptom Control Guidelines for Adults (2019): https://www.england.nhs.uk/north-west/wp-content/uploads/sites/48/2020/01/Palliative-Care-Pain-and-Symptom-Control-Guidelines.pdf
Clinical Knowledge Summaries from NICE: Palliative Care - Constipation (Updated Feb 2024): https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/palliative-care-constipation/
NICE CKS Table of Doses of Laxatives that can be used for Palliative Patients: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/palliative-care-constipation/prescribing-information/doses-of-laxatives/
___
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 quick anonymous survey here: https://pckb.org/feedback
Email us at: primarycarepodcasts@gmail.com
___
This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board. Given that it is 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.

Tips to Pass the SCA for GP Trainees

As requested by GP Trainees, this week's episode is on tips to pass the Simulated Consultation Assessment exam; the final exam for GP trainees in the UK. We spoke to Dr Anne Hawkridge who was a GP trainer in Bolton for over 20 years and has been a MRCGP examiner since 2007 when the CSA (Clinical Skills Assessment) started, the predecessor to the pandemic RCA and now the SCA.
She is also the co-founder of the successful exam support programme here in the North West; the SOX programme (Support on Exams) and co-author of the North West England Consultation Toolkit which is published in full on the MRCGP SCA preparation website.
Questions we had were; what is the exam, what does it look like, how much does it cost, when to consider sitting in, how to approach revising for it and what pitfalls to avoid. The top tips fit into 4 themes; GP consulting skills, ensuring knowledge, good exam technique and timing. Anne covers the changes in the exam through the recent years and there’s plenty in there to give people a flavour of how they can approach the exam in a way that will maximise their chance of success, as well as gaining skills for being a good GP. 
 
You can use these podcasts as part of your CPD - we don’t do certificates but they still count :)
 
Useful resources: 
Interviews from successful North West Deanery Trainees: https://www.nwpgmd.nhs.uk/sca-resources
We highly recommends listening to the interviews in full on the North West Deanery SCA resources site here https://www.nwpgmd.nhs.uk/sca-resources
Royal College of General Practitioners Simulated Consultation Assessments Introduced and Explained with the Toolkit: https://www.rcgp.org.uk/mrcgp-exams/simulated-consultation-assessment/introduction
We recommend that you watch the short How to use the toolkit video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMHfHJVENfk
Royal College of General Practitioners Red Amber Green (RAG) Rating Tool: https://www.rcgp.org.uk/getmedia/95fa6d76-b02d-41c8-873d-f1ccf576dd4b/sca-consultation-toolkit-rag.pdf
North West England Deanery Website with information and tips on Passing the SCA: https://www.nwpgmd.nhs.uk/sca-resources
The SCA-SOX Programme: https://heeoe.hee.nhs.uk/general_practice/sca-sox-programme
___
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 quick anonymous survey here: https://pckb.org/feedback
Email us at: primarycarepodcasts@gmail.com
___
This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board. Given that it is 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.

COPD in General Practice

Doctors Lisa and Sara talk to Respiratory Physiotherapist Thomas James about COPD. We start with what COPD is, when to suspect it, a standard work up, pitfalls and points of consideration about spirometry, before moving on to an overview of management. We then cover some changes in the way COPD exacerbations are managed in South Manchester and the role of Eosinophils in both acute and chronic management. Understanding the role of Pulmonary rehabilitation, prednisolone and exercise in management are particular highlights. We cover our learning points from the episode at the end. 
You can use these podcasts as part of your CPD - we don’t do certificates but they still count :)
Useful resources: 
NICE COPD in adults (last updated Sept 2023): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/QS10
The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Spirometry Guide: https://goldcopd.org/gold-spirometry-guide/
Association for Respiratory Technology and Physiology (ARTP) advice on Spirometry Interpretation: https://www.artp.org.uk/en/spirometry
Greater Manchester Medicines Management Group (GMMMG) COPD Management Plan Guideline (2021): https://gmmmg.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/COPD-Treatment-Guideline-Nov-2021-V7.1.pdf
Greater Manchester Medicines Management Group (GMMMG) COPD Inhaler Guide (2021): https://gmmmg.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GMMMG-COPD-Inhaler-Guide-update-Mar-2023.pdf
Greater Manchester CURE Project for Smoking Cessation: https://gmcancer.org.uk/programmes-of-work/treatment/the-cure-project/
Greater Manchester Change, Grow, Live Services including Smoking Cessation: https://www.changegrowlive.org/
Primary Care Respiratory Society MRC Breathlessness scale: https://www.pcrs-uk.org/mrc-dyspnoea-scale
Our podcast with Dr Lesley Henson and Dr Caitriona MacDermott on Breathlessness in Palliative Care (May 2024): https://pckb.org/e/breathlessness-in-palliative-care/
___
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 quick anonymous survey here: https://pckb.org/feedback
Email us at: primarycarepodcasts@gmail.com
___
This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board. Given that it is 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.

Proactive Care - Dementia Projects

Doctors Lisa and Sara talk to Dr Joanna Bircher, Dr Nikesh Vallabh, Shelley Ryder (SWAN PCN Manager and Transformation Lead) and Dr Fran Fitton. We find out what proactive care is all about and then launch into example projects around dementia care that Shelley and Fran are involved in. We hope this gives people a flavour of what proactive care projects could entail in General Practice in terms of design and implementation. Later in the year, we hope to bring more examples of projects and how they managed to get them off the ground. 
You can use these podcasts as part of your CPD - we don’t do certificates but they still count :)
Useful resources: 
NHS Long Term Plan, Overview and Summary: https://www.longtermplan.nhs.uk/online-version/overview-and-summary/
Proactive care: New GM support offer for 20 PCNs: https://gmpcb.org.uk/proactive-care-new-gm-support-offer-for-20-pcns/
An Introduction to Quality Improvement: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ubnht-114762e
___
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 quick anonymous survey here: https://pckb.org/feedback
Email us at: primarycarepodcasts@gmail.com
___
This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board. Given that it is 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.

2024 Polypharmacy Summer Rewind

***SUMMER REWIND  - INITIALLY RELEASED ON 31ST JAN 2024***
To get in touch: primarycarepodcasts@gmail.com
Doctors Lisa and Sara talk to Senior Pharmacist Sarah Hafeez about Polypharmacy. She explains the difference between inappropriate and appropriate polypharmacy before talking through some typical cases that illustrate several examples of common scenarios. This leads to discussions on prioritising concerns, weaning/stopping medications, counselling patients on the effects of Opioids and Gabapentinoids and involving community teams aiming for successful reductions of addiction forming medications. Other gems include a discussion of the potential long term risks of Proton Pump Inhibitors and advice on weaning, remembering to consider anticholinergic burdens as well as handy resources for tackling Polypharmacy, Structured Medications Reviews and medication reductions.
You can use these podcasts as part of your CPD - we don’t do certificates but they still count :)
Useful resources: 
Greater Manchester Medicines Management Group: Inappropriate Polypharmacy Review and Treatment Optimisation: Resource Pack (from Dec 2022, accessed Dec 2023): https://gmmmg.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/GMMMG-Polypharmacy-resource-pack-v3.0.pdf
Scotland Polypharmacy Resources for Professionals and for Patients: https://www.polypharmacy.scot.nhs.uk/for-patients-and-carers/
Scottish Polypharmacy Guidance 2018: https://www.therapeutics.scot.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Polypharmacy-Guidance-2018.pdf
Lewis T. Using the NO TEARS tool for medication review. BMJ. 2004 Aug 21;329(7463):434. doi: 10.1136/bmj.329.7463.434. PMID: 15321901; PMCID: PMC514207 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC514207/
Toolkit for General Practice in Supporting Older People Living with Frailty (includes a great Appendix of the STOPP/START criteria (2017): https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/toolkit-general-practice-frailty-1.pdf
An example of an Anticholinergic Burdon Resource from West Essex CCG 2020: https://westessexccg.nhs.uk/your-health/medicines-optimisation-and-pharmacy/clinical-guidelines-and-prescribing-formularies/04-central-nervous-system/61-anticholinergic-side-effects-and-prescribing-guidance/file
Canadian Resource for Deprescribing including reducing medications and some patient information leaflets: https://deprescribing.org/
Resource for help reducing and stopping medications: https://medstopper.com/
Me and My Medicines Resource for Patients to look through their medications before reviews or for information: https://meandmymedicines.org.uk/
Anticholinergic Medications and Risks of Dementia Cochrane Editorial with Reports in Link (Sept 2021): https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.ED000154/full
Anticholinergic drugs and risk of dementia: Time for action? British Pharmacological Society. Bell B et al Jun 2021 (9:3). Accessed 15/1/2024:  https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/prp2.793
Cognitive Effects of Anticholinergic Load in Women with Overactive Bladder. Clin Interv Aging. 2020; 15: 1493–1503: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7457731/
Greater Manchester Medicines Management Group: Management of Overactive Bladder Including a simple Bladder Diary before and after stopping Medications (Jun 2019): https://gmmmg.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Management-of-OAB-in-adults-v3-0-approved-Aug-2019.pdf
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