Welcome back to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we look at three new pieces of research and have a special interview in conjunction with Prostate Cancer UK. 

First, do antidepressants have physiological side effects? How do they compare to each other, and how does this influence what we prescribe to whom?

Second, exercise is a key treatment for knee osteoarthritis, but which type is best? What should we recommend to our patients?

Third, how has PSA testing changed over the past two decades? Is there variation in testing in high-risk groups? Discussing this further, we are joined by Dr Bunmi Olajide, a GP with a special interest in cancer, and Kevin Howell, Black Health Equity Engagement manager for Prostate Cancer UK.

Resources

Lancet Anti-depressants and physiological side effects

BMJ Knee OA and Best Exercises

NEJM Knee pain and home exercises

BMJ PSA testing trends in England

PCUK PSA Consensus statement 2024

PCUK Guide for Counselling Patients on the PSA Blood Test

PCUK Online Education

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker! In this episode, we talk about some real research rather than stuff made up by over-tanned heads of state. Three papers. 

First, can researchers fill the gap on whether anti-inflammatory reliever therapy is best for mild asthma? 

Second, how effective are SCAN pathways for suspected cancer in patients with non-specific symptoms who don't meet site-specific referral criteria, and what lessons can we learn from years of referrals?

Third, how do the numbers of licensed GPs differ from actual GPs working, and how does this all compare to what's happening with hospital consultants?

References

Lancet AIR for kids asthma

Lancet Primary Care SCAN referrals  

BMJ Trends in practising GPs

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. This week we look at three new pieces of research.

First, we have a paper in the BMJ exploring arterial thrombosis risk with modern hormonal contraceptives including newer treatments such as the combined patch and ring. Second, we have a BJGP paper looking at which type of safety net advice is the most effective. Finally, a new paper in JAMA Internal Medicine collates trials on anti-virals for influenza. Can any of them provide genuine benefit? 

And don't forget our NB Plus offer - £25 discount on an annual subscription until the 17th of February.

Resources

BMJ

BJGP

JAMA

Healthier Together patient info

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

In our second NB Podcast from NB Medical Dr Neal Tucker discusses recent Hot Topics including the restrictions on ranitidine, the benefits of taking anti-hypertensives at night-time, using statins just once a week and new technology for genome editing.

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

In our first Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical Dr Neal Tucker discusses why Public Health England should review its stance on e-cigarette safety, looks at Dame Sally Davies report on childhood obesity and explores general practice medical news and cutting edge medicine.

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast with Dr Neal Tucker. This is the third in our series of special podcasts where we talk to interesting and influential people from the world of general practice.

In this interview, we talk to Dr Euan Lawson, GP and editor of the BJGP.

The journal will be familiar to all clinicians in general practice and has gone from strength to strength over the past few years. We talk about his career and how he became editor, discuss the world of research including the most influential papers published during his tenure, consider the importance of inclusion health in the changing face of GP, and discuss his vision for the future.

And remember our recent NB Clinic in Inclusion Health can be watched on demand here.

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. A belated Happy New Year! In our round-up of new research, we look at three papers.

Firstly, what have been the effects of increased hybrid working in general practice, particularly with the introduction of digital tools and triage?

Secondly, do patient decisions aids help patients with choices on anticoagulation in AF and does this help us?

Finally, can appendicitis be safely treated with antibiotics and could we be doing this in general practice soon?

References

BJGP Hybrid working in general practice
BMJ Patient decision aids in AF
Lancet Appendicectomy vs antibiotics in kids

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. It's Christmas time and that means a song to get you in the festive spirit. We'll be back with the regular podcast in the New Year. 

Happy holidays everyone!

Neal

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast with Dr Neal Tucker. This is the second in a series of special podcasts where we talk to interesting and influential people in general practice.

In this interview we talk to Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, GP and chair of the BMA GPC England, who is currently leading much of UK general practice through 'collective action'. We talk about her career and how she came to her current role, about the BMA collective action in England and what impact this is achieving, and what is the end goal for general practice in England.

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

References

BMA GP Collective action site

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this edition, we look at three new research papers.

Firstly, can eating chocolate actually reduce our chance of type 2 diabetes? Sounds too good to be true... Secondly, could a blood test predict your 30-year cardiovascular risk? Finally, how does general practice access going digital affect minoritised ethnic populations?

Look out next week for the second of our special interviews. We talk to Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, chair of the GPC in England, about what does she hope general practice will look like in the future and the effects of collective action in England.

References

BMJ Chocolate vs diabetes
NEJM 30 year CVD risk prediction
BJGP Digitalising GP access and minoritised ethnic populations

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast with Dr Neal Tucker. This is the first in a series of special podcasts where we talk to the movers and shakers of general practice.

We will talk to people in GP politics, leadership, media and research and discuss how their careers evolved, how they see current general practice and how they may be influencing the future of the specialism.

We start with Dr Claire Fuller, GP and current primary care medical director for NHS England. Hugely influential, you will probably know her as the author of the Fuller Stocktake report. We discuss how she came to the job, what this report found, and how it is impacting general practice in England. 

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the latest Hot Topics Podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we look at two new papers on the drugs de jour: GLP1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors. Can the former reduce pain in knee osteoarthritis and can the latter prevent recurrent renal stones?

Our third paper is a consensus paper published in the BJGP on optimising PSA testing for the early detection of prostate cancer in asymptomatic men. Sponsored by Prostate Cancer UK, Neal is joined by Dr Alex Norman, a GP, and Dr Oliver Hulson, a consultant radiologist who undertakes prostate biopsy, to discuss the outcomes of this paper and the latest research in this area. For further information from Prostate Cancer UK including educational resources and webinars see the links below.

References

NEJM Semaglutide & knee OA
BMJ SGLT2i & renal stones
BJGP Consensus Paper on PSA Testing in Asymptomatic Men
NB Podcast on role of DRE in identifying prostate cancer
PCUK Prostate Cancer Education for Health Professionals
PCUK Consensus Paper Webinar

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we have three exciting new papers.

Firstly, in the BMJ a network meta-analysis on acute migraine treatments - can the new GEPANTs drugs beat existing therapies? Secondly, a paper in NEJM does screening for prostate cancer using MRI actually help? Finally in the BJGP can first contact physio be better than a GP appointment? Listen on!

References

BMJ Acute migraine therapies
NEJM Prostate cancer screening with MRI
BJGP First contact physio in GP

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to Season 6 of the Hot Topics podcast with Dr Neal Tucker. The summer holidays are over and it’s back to work so time for a new podcast.

In this episode, we look at research on whether SGLT2i might prevent dementia, on if it is safer to de-escalate sooner rather than later from dual anti-platelet therapy post-MI, and how effective is the new RSV vaccine at preventing hospitalisation in older people.

References

BMJ - SGLT2i & dementia
Lancet - De-escalation of DAPT post-MI
JAMA - RSV Vaccination Efficacy in Older People

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome back to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this new season, we chat to Dr Simon Curtis about the upcoming Autumn 2025 Hot Topics course, then discuss three new pieces of research.

First, in the Lancet, which are the best anti-hypertensives, what effect does increasing a dose actually have and how good are combinations? Second, in the NEJM, does giving all the drugs improve CKD outcomes? The case for finerenone and empagliflozin. Third, do ADHD drugs help outcomes beyond core symptoms such as accidents, suicide and crime? But can we rely on the research method used...?

References

Lancet Antihypertensive Efficacy Paper

NEJM Finerenone & Empagliflozin

Report on trends in CKD

BMJ ADHD meds & prevention of complications

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. Have you ever walked into a pharmacy and wondered whether those nasal sprays suggesting they can stop the common cold actually do anything?

Ahead of the inevitable coughs and colds of the autumn, the Lancet Respiratory provides some answers and they won’t be the ones you think... Still, right now it's the summer and time to get outside and active - especially if you have recurrent back pain. We look at a paper in the Lancet exploring whether just simply walking can be the problem. Finally, from the BJGP we examine a paper looking at what being a "full-time GP" means and how, sometimes, definitions can be REALLY important.

Resources

BJGP Trends in Full-Time Working in GP
Lancet Effectiveness of Walking for Back Pain
Lancet Resp Nasal Sprays for URTIs

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to a new episode of the Hot Topics Podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. Today is election results day but we're not talking about politics, we're focusing on the research.

We look at a paper in the latest BJGP which looks at which factors influence a patient's decision to discontinue anti-depressants, explore a paper in the Lancet on whether a symptom-clinic led by GPs can improve outcomes for patients with multiple and persistent symptoms, and discuss trends in cardiovascular disease in the UK over the past 20 years, published in the BMJ this week.

References

NB Blog on Discontinuation of Antidepressants
BJGP Discontinuation of antidepressants
Lancet Symptom clinic
BMJ CVD trends

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics Podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. It's election time but we're going to put aside politics and focus on the latest medical research!

In this episode, we look at an important BJGP paper highlighting the rates of follow-up after a significant asthma attack, a paper in the Journal of Infection showing the high rates of second antibiotic prescription in ongoing cough, and a RCT in JAMA examining if, as suggested by observational data, aspirin can truly prevent recurrence or metastasis of breast cancer.

References

BJGP Post-hospitalisation asthma management in primary care
BJGP  Editorial Asthma Deaths in Children
J of Infection Repeat Antibiotics for Cough
eCancer Aspirin for Cancer
JAMA Aspiring & Breast Cancer Recurrence

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode we think about the GP workforce courtesy of four papers in this month's BJGP - does more GPs boost life expectancy (of the patients...)? do PCNs help health inequalities? is practice-based continuity as good as individual continuity?

For a more directly clinical update, we look at new research in the BMJ on which is the best oral option in T2DM after metformin. Can the SGLT2 inhibitors prove their worth?

References

BJGP Does the shortage of GPs matter?
BJGP PCNs, deprivation and funding
BJGP Continuity in GP
BJGP Continuity in Norwegian GP
BMJ Best drug after metformin in T2DM

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. To DRE or not to DRE? This is the question and the main event in this episode.

We have a fantastic interview with Amy Rylance, Head of Improving Care at Prostate Cancer UK, and Sam Merriel, GP and academic clinical lecturer, discussing their recent Clinical Practice paper in the BJGP: Is the digital rectal exam any good as a prostate cancer screening test?

In other research, we have two papers with a common theme. Firstly, a paper in the BMJ looking at long-term outcomes after diagnosis with atrial fibrillation, and secondly, a paper in the BJGP examining the role of BNP testing as a marker for future cardiovascular disease in patients with a new diagnosis of hypertension. Both show that while these conditions make us think of stroke and MI, we also should be thinking about heart failure.

Resources

BJGP Clinical Practice paper on DRE for prostate cancer screening
Prostate Cancer UK Patient Risk Checker
European Urology Oncology Journal Performance of DRE in PCa Screening
NEJM 2004 Prevalence of PCa in men with a PSA <4
BMJ AF and future risk paper
BJGP HT and future risk paper

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome back to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with host Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we start by thinking about the news. Firstly, the overwhelming consensus from GPs in England to not support the imposed contract.

Secondly, the ongoing discussion around physician associates in general practice, where we touch on an interesting report from South Mississippi around the costs and other outcomes of non-doctor-led primary care. Thirdly, NHS patient satisfaction - is important to take note but why does staff satisfaction never hit the headlines?

In research, we look at two papers. First, the rate of familial hypercholesterolaemia coded in practices - how far are we away from what we should expect? And in those with a diagnosis, how good are we at optimally treating them? Second, a paper on which interventions might help people maintain their independence. After an estimated £1.15 billion pounds of research in this area, what does this new systematic review and network meta-analysis tell us?

References

AMA Report on PA/NA from South Mississippi
NHS Staff Survery Results
BJGP Familial Hypercholesterolaemia rates in GP
NICE Guideline FH
Simon Broome Diagnostic Criteria for FH
BMJ Community Interventions to Maintain Independence

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome back to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode we think about another year of imposed GP contract on practices in England, the BMA response and where it may lead. 

In research, we have three fascinating new papers. Firstly, a paper examining how to maintain weight loss after a low-calorie diet – is structured exercise, liraglutide or both better than usual care? Secondly, in the BMJ a systematic review exploring whether exercise should be considered a genuine treatment for depression. And finally, in the NEJM, a study looking at the link between microplastics in carotid arterial plaques and subsequent risk of cardiac vascular events (hint: it’s not good news…).

References

BMA GP Contract Changes 2024/25

Pulse Editorial

Lancet Discovery Science paper on weight loss maintenance

Weight maintenance author interview

BMJ Exercise and Depression

NEJM Micro/nanoplastics in your arteries

NEJM Microplastics editorial

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome back to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we think about the pay offer for practices in England, a new King’s Fund report on the under-funding of primary care for three decades, and the introduction of Pharmacy First. 

In new research, we have two papers. First, in the BMJ, can an online combined exercise and psychological programme improve quality of life for patients struggling after hospitalisation with covid? Second, in JAMA, can serum urate levels help predict future flares of gout and guide us on who might benefit the most from urate-lowering therapy

References

Kings Fund Report on Primary Care

BMJ Post-covid-19 syndrome and online programme

JAMA Serum urate and recurrent gout

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome back to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we consider the current state of general practice in the UK and what lessons the countries can learn from each other.

We examine a new paper in the BJGP on how patients feel about general practice in Scotland since the introduction of the 2018 GP contract. Is it meeting patient and policymaker goals?

In other research, we see what lessons a new paper in JAMA on weight loss and cancer association can tell us about a seemingly obvious connection, and from the NEJM what effect testosterone replacement for hypogonadism has on men's fracture risk.

References

BJGP Patient experiences of Scottish GP paper
BJGP Family physician's moral distress when managing health inequalities
JAMA Cancer diagnoses after weight loss
NEJM Testosterone replacement for hypogonadism and fracture risk

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Christmas Hot Topics Podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. It’s time for a bit of light-hearted festive fun so if you’ve finished signing all your scripts for Christmas then join us for a discussion with Dr Stephen Bradley and Dr Alice Harper about “Great Expectations: GPs estimations of time required to deliver BMJ’s 10minute consultations”.

This new paper explores how long it REALLY takes to do everything that’s recommended in clinical guidance. If you’ve ever felt like there just isn’t enough time in your general practice day, this might explain it, and you are not the only one.

Merry Christmas everyone, see you in the New Year. Neal

References

Great Expectations: GPs estimations of time required to deliver BMJ’s 10minute consultations

The Health Foundation: Identifying Operational Failures in General Practice

BMJ Guidelines should consider clinicians time needed to treat

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. I hope you are all enjoying the summer and that your IT treats you well. In this podcast, we have two new studies to think about.

First, should children with gastroenteritis be given anti-emetics? Would ondansetron help and improve outcomes? 

Second, can methotrexate help knee osteoarthritis? It would be great if this would work, but hope only gets us so far. What does the research show? 

References

NEJM Ondansetron in GE in kids

JAMA Int Med Methotrexate and knee OA

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we talk to Prof Hazel Everitt, a GP and lead author of a recent Lancet paper exploring whether amitriptyline is effective for IBS, and where it might fit in to general practice management.

We also look at research in the Lancet on treating hand osteoarthritis with methotrexate - what's the rationale and does it work? - plus a BMJ paper on using a patient information leaflet to improve lower urinary tract symptoms in men. Are PILS better than pills?

Resources

Lancet ATLANTIS paper on IBS & amitriptyline
ATLANTIS trial website with patient information
Gut journal CBT for IBS
National Institute for Health and Care Research - how to get involved
NIHR Local research groups - how to get involved
Lancet Methotrexate for hand OA with synovitis
BMJ Leaflets for LUTS

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. The highlight of this episode is our interview with Prof Miriam Santer, lead author of recent research in the BMJ exploring the effectiveness of spironolactone for acne in women.

Does it work? Is it a treatment for general practice? And if so, is it safe, what monitoring is required, and where does it fit with current acne pathways?

In the news, we think about the current issues around physician associates in general practice. In research we have two papers on diabetes: first, in the Lancet, is a new once-weekly insulin injection as effective as a daily treatment for type 1 diabetes; and second, in JAMA, is the additional tirzepatide better than prandial insulin in addition to glargine for managing type 2 diabetes?

References

Eczema Care Online
BMJ Spiro for acne
Lancet Once weekly insulin vs daily insulin in T1DM
JAMA Tirzepatide vs prandial insulin in T2DM

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode we talk to Dr Jessica Watson, lead author of the Why Test study, published in the BJGP exploring the use of blood tests in general practice and how often they make a difference - positive or negative.

In other research we look at a BMJ paper comparing rosuvastatin and atorvastatin for secondary prevention, and in the Lancet, the PATHFINDER study, exploring the role of multi-cancer early detection blood tests - will this be useful for diagnosing cancers earlier?

Plus the usual news, views, and a song about vaccinations.

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

References

BJGP Why Test Study
PACT - primary care academic collaborative website
BMJ Rosuva vs Atorva for secondary prevention
Lancet PATHFINDER MCED study
Lancet Editorial
RCGP Manifesto Seven Steps To Rebuild General Practice and Save the NHS

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr. Neal Tucker. As we celebrate 25 years of NB Medical and the Hot Topics course, in this podcast we chat with co-founder Dr Simon Curtis about the changes in general practice and medical education since its inception, we discuss three of the most influential research papers over the era, and what the future may hold for GPs.

In research, we examine two new papers. The first in the NEJM is on semaglutide for patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction. Can it help improve symptoms and quality of life? Could it improve mortality? The second paper from the Lancet looks at a practice nurse-delivered insomnia intervention using sleep restriction therapy. Could this be a useful, cost-effective option for helping people struggling to sleep?

References

NEMJ Semaglutide + HFPEF with obesity
Lancet Nurse-led Insomnia intervention 

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to Season 5 of the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. Despite celebrating our 25th birthday (don't forget to check out our NB Plus birthday special here) the world of medical news and research never stops.

In this episode we look at research in the BJGP about the motivations behind being a GP, whether adding NSAIDs may improve efficacy of emergency contraception, and whether we should be worried about cancer in patients with reflux.

www.nbmedical.com

References

BJGP Mapping GP Motivations
Lancet Levonorgestrel + piroxicam for EC
BMJ Non-erosive reflux and oesophageal cancer risk

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker.  Wondering where the sunshine is? Then this song is for you. Have a good summer everyone and the podcast will be back in September.

In the meantime have a look at www.nbmedical.com for our latest courses - we have live webinars for the new Hot Topics course, our new Paediatrics and Child Health course, our updated dermatology course and much more in September.

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker.  School's out for summer but general practice never stops. This week we look at the medical news story of the week: donanemab for Alzheimer's disease - can this monoclonal antibody revolutionise dementia care?

Also in research, prevention is better than a cure, so can a Mediterranean-DASH diet keep cognitive decline at bay? For you weekend warriors out there, is cramming exercise into the weekend as good as exercising throughout the week. A new paper in JAMA answers this question. And is there ANY role for opioids in acute back pain? A new Australian study goes strong to see if there is benefit with this common problem.

Don't forget to check out all our upcoming courses including the new Hot Topics course in September and much more on www.nbmedical.com.

References

JAMA Donanemab
NEJM MIND diet for dementia prevention
JAMA Weekend warriors and CVD risk
Lancet Opioids for Low back and neck pain

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker.  NHS Long Term Workforce Plan is all over the news today. In this episode we have a look at some of the key statements, seeing what is positive for general practice, what is wishful thinking, and what could be even worse.

In research we look at new observational data from Denmark, published in the BMJ, finding an association between HRT and dementia; also a study examining the effectiveness of an intra-pulmonary artery device for identifying earlier deterioration of heart failure; and two papers in the NEJM on more weight loss medications for obesity.

References

NHS Long term workforce plan
BMJ HRT & dementia
Lancet HF device
NEJM Retatrutide & Orforglipron

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to a new Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In Just One More Thing we are joined by Dr. Jim Moore, chair of the Primary Care Cardiovascular Society, where we discuss cholesterol lowering therapies, new ways to treat heart failure, and how we may meet government targets for blood pressure control - can and should it all be done in general practice?

In news, is it good news as GPs are primed to solve the obesity crisis with semaglutide? And in research we look at a BMJ paper hoping to radically change how we monitor patients taking methotrexate, and in JAMA a new paper looks at strategies for helping patients stop opioids for chronic pain.

Resources

Primary Care Cardiovascular Society website
BMJ Methotrexate monitoring
JAMA Chronic opioid withdrawal
My Opioid Manager

Podcast Transcript

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome back to the Hot Topics podcast.  In this episode we reflect on the Prime Ministers Primary Care Recovery Plan, then move on to more useful things like research.  We have new papers in the BJGP on who may be more likely to develop fatigue after mild covid and the NEJM on using a peanut patch to desensitive toddlers at risk of anaphylaxis.

We also have the next in our series of Just One More Thing - this time we chat about allergy with Dr Matt Doyle, GP and chair of the primary care committee of the British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

References

BSACI website
Prime Ministers Primary Care Recovery Plan
BJGP Post-covid fatigue
NEJM Peanut allergy patch

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. While everyone tries to unpick the new NHS 10-year plan, we focus on the here and now with three new pieces of research.

We kick off with two gems in the BJGP - first, examining whether anti-depressants actually help with insomnia, and second, whether anti-depressants cause postural hypotension in older people, and which may be the worst. Finally, we look at a good news story, with data publishing on a new treatment for cancers linked to mismatch repair genes.

References

BJGP Insomnia paper

BJGP Anti-Ds and postural hypotension paper

NEJM dMMR gene cancer therapy 

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to another Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. With general practice becoming an increasingly popular political battleground, we focus on the latest research.

In this edition, we look at whether bempedoic acid actually reduces cardiovascular events and death as well as reducing cholesterol. Ever wondered which is more important in causing CVD: inflammation or cholesterol? A new paper in the Lancet examines this in patients already taking statins. We also explore what is best to drink if you (or your patient) have type 2 diabetes. Can coffee and tea actually be good for you?

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

References

NEJM Bempedoic acid
Lancet Inflammation vs chol in CVD
BMJ what to drink in T2DM

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the latest Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker.  In this episode, we have the latest news including how the public view the NHS and what's happening to the GP contract for English practice.

In research, we have a fascinating paper in the BMJ exploring what differences have emerged in recorded outcomes between England and Scotland since the latter abolished QOF, an answer on whether coffee is bad for you (or at least your heart in the short term), and a new class of drug to help with vasomotor symptoms in menopause.

Resources

BMJ QOF paper
NEJM Caffeine and the Heart
Lancet Fezolinetant and hto flushes
NHSE GP is the best job ever page

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics Podcast with host, Dr Neal Tucker.  In this bumper edition, we have the next in our Just One More Thing series. We interview Dr Sam Merriel in collaboration with Prostate Cancer UK, talking about what we need to know in the world of prostate cancer. Should we be screening? Do we need to think beyond PSA? Does new technology change our approach?

In the news, we look at the latest RCGP data on workload and whether GPs will strike, while in research we have a BJGP paper on why antimicrobial stewardship interventions may not have the impact in real life that they do in trials, a BJGP analysis of nitrofurantoin (and other antibiotic) failure in men with UTI, and a NEJM paper testing whether thiazides help renal stones.

References:

Free on demand NB Clinic with Prostate Cancer UK, March 2022
PCUK Resources for Health Professionals
PCUK Resources for Delivering the PCN DES
PCUK 30 second Risk Checker for Patients
Research discussed by Sam Merriel
...Lifetime risk of PCa by major ethnic group in England
...Family history risk for PCa
...Genetic risk scores for PCa in patient with LUTS
BJGP Implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship in GP
BJGP Nitrofurantoin failure in men with UTI
NEJM Hydrochlorthiazide and renal stones

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast with Dr Neal Tucker.  In this episode, we speak to Dr Katherine Hickman, current chair of the Primary Care Respiratory Society, who answers our three Just One More Thing questions on what we need to know about from primary, secondary and future care with asthma.

In new research, we discuss a paper on how pharmaceutical companies spend more money promoting less effective drugs, how atropine eye drops in children can delay myopia, and whether cancer risk prediction tools are accurate in cancer survivors with their inherently raised CVD risk.

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

References

Primary Care Respiratory Society - if you want to know more!
JAMA Drug spending on low clinical benefit drugs
JAMA Atropine eye drops in kids to delay or prevent myopia
Lancet CVD risk prediction tool accuracy in cancer survivors

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to another HOT TOPICS podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker.  In the podcast cast we reflect on the latest commentaries from the political parties and medical organisations on how they can help with the NHS crisis. We can’t promise a solution, but we can help you stay up to date with the world of research.

This week we have new research in the Lancet examining whether molnupiravir actually helps acute covid, whether dementia can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle even if you have high risk genes, and what patients actually feel about FIT tests and we the way we use them in GP.

For our latest courses and much more go to www.nbmedical.com

References

Lancet acute covid treatment
BMJ Dementia and healthy living
BJGP Patients perspective on FIT

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the latest NB Hot Topics podcast. It’s Christmas and no one needs anything too serious. Enjoy the song. Happy holidays everyone! See you in 2023.
Neal

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to a new episode of the Hot Topics Podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker.  In this podcast, we look at new research in the BMJ on optimal duration to treatment distal DVTs (wait... do we even check for these...?), and the Lancet examines the benefits of high-dose chronic heart failure therapies after acute decompensation.

In Just One More Thing... this episode we are joined by Dr Rachel Ainley, head of research and evidence at Crohn's & Colitis UK to find out what's new in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. You'll find links to the RCGP IBD toolkit and C&CUK's awareness campaign below.

References
RCGP IBD Toolkit
C&CUK Professional Resources
BMJ Distal DVT paper
Lancet Post-Acute Heart Failure Dosage

www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the new Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker.  We're dealing with heavy topics today - the Autumn Statement, how losing continuity is detrimental to patient care, maternal mortality in the UK - but we've tried to keep it light in other ways including our new segment: Just One More Thing

In Just One More Thing we interview primary care experts across a range of specialties asking 3 questions: what one thing do we need to know about in general practice regarding your specialty, what one thing do we need to know about that's happening in secondary care, and what is pushing the boundaries of medical care in your field. This week we talk to Dr Sarah Davies about diabetes.

In research, we consider the implications of two BJGP papers on correlations between practices and patient continuity, while in the BMJ this week a new paper highlights a significant discrepancy in maternal mortality ratios between 8 European countries. Are there lessons for general practice here?

Resources

BJGP Continuity paper no.1
BJGP Continuity paper no.2
BJGP Editorial
BMJ Maternal Mortality paper
BMJ MM Editorial

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Welcome to a new NB Hot Topics Podcast with Dr Neal Tucker.  Amongst all the political turmoil, healthcare must go on. 

In this episode, we look at:

• The new government report (someone's still working, for better or for worse) on the Future of General Practice
• The implications practices need to be aware of for Patient Record Access starting 1st November
• New research on the best time to take BP meds and whether cardiovascular screening using CTs & more is helpful.

References:

Future of GP Report
Lancet TIME study
NEJM CVD Screening in Danish Men

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Welcome to the new Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker.  After a whirlwind week where general practice has been populistically politicised on all sides, in this episode we stay on safer ground and look at new research.

The BMJ highlights the future risk of cardio- and cerebrovascular disease after gestational diabetes, even without overt diabetes, but offers some good news regarding the optimisation of risk factors. JAMA introduces roflumilast for chronic psoriasis, as a cream, not a tablet. And the NEJM explores whether there is a role for bronchodilators in people with COPD who don't have COPD - symptomatic smokers with preserved lung function.

References

Best research title of the podcast award
BMJ GDM and CVD risk
BMJ GDM and modifiable risk factors
JAMA Roflumilast for psoriasis
NEJM Bronchodilators for smoking Sx with preserved lung function

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Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we look at three new pieces of research with implications for general practice.

Firstly, can exercise prevent the recurrence of colorectal cancer? Short answer, yes. But how much exercise did you need to do, and what on earth is a MET? 

Secondly, what are the concerns around low-dose amitriptyline use for IBS from patients and GPs? How can we aid the discussion? 

Finally, can SLGT2 inhibitors improve liver disease? Is this the new treatment for our patients with MASLD (the condition formerly known as NAFLD? 

References

NEJM Exercise and CRC

METs Wikipedia

BJGP IBS & amitriptyline prescribing

BMJ SGLT2i & MASLD

NB Blog MASLD: The rebrand you never heard of

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Welcome back to the new series of the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker.  A sober start with the death of the Queen yesterday and reflecting on the pressures of general practice and the profoundly sad story of Gail Milligan. 

But the progress of medicine never stops and there is research to discuss:

• Papers in the BMJ on whether artificial sweeteners cause harm, and whether supplementing vitamin D really does reduce respiratory and covid infection risk.
• A Lancet paper on autoimmune disease and an increase in cardiovascular risk, but in whom and how much?
• Another Lancet paper on the actual rates of statin-induced muscle pain (a little but not a lot...)
• And a NEJM on whether hacking diabetes monitors and insulin pumps is a safe thing to do.

Plus until the 12th of September, we have our Back to School NB Plus offer which you can find here.

References

BMJ Sweeteners
BMJ Vit D
BMJ Cod liver oil
Lancet autoimmune & CVD risk
Lancet statins & muscle pain
NEJM Open-source automated insulin delivery systems

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Welcome to a new Hot Topics Podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker.  It's the summer holidays! We hope a little pressure is off at your practices and you might even get a break yourself. 

In this podcast, we discuss the latest news including whether GPs simply aren't working hard enough and debate a £10 charge for DNAs.

In research, we look at new data from JAMA suggesting patients are at increased risk of MI shortly after a flare of gout, a fantastic paper in the BJGP presenting data showing how it may be possible to improve early identification of colorectal cancer based on common symptoms and blood results, and more from the BJGP with qualitative research exploring the barriers to shared decision making in patients with multimorbidity.

References

JAMA Gout and acute CVD
BJGP Early Identification of CRC
BJGP Shared decision making and multimorbidity

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