In this episode, Dr Anna Mullins speaks with Professor Claire Jackson, a professor of general practice and primary care reform at the University of Queensland, about the e-consultation model and its impact on rural healthcare.

Professor Jackson describes the early days of the e-consult model, inspired by a successful program in San Francisco, and how it was initially trialled with positive results at Camp Hill Healthcare. The model, involving advice provided to GPs via a shared electronic medical record and email communication, has since expanded across Western Queensland and includes various clinicians from multiple medical specialties.

Delving into the role of Queensland Health in funding the e-consult model and discusses the importance of scaling the service statewide. Professor Jackson highlights the critical mass of referrals needed for service efficacy, as evidenced by experiences in Canada. She also addresses the challenges faced in getting GPs to notice and use the e-consult service.

They then discuss the broader challenges in general practice, such as administrative workload and funding issues. Professor Jackson reflects on how funding for general practice has evolved over the last 40 years and the current struggle to lobby for affordable support. The conversation emphasises the significance of maintaining a strong patient-GP relationship, especially during changes in practice models, and the unique mentorship and growth opportunities within the profession.

She notes the environmental benefits of e-consults, with a significant reduction in face-to-face visits and carbon footprint in rural areas. Furthermore, over 90% of GPs reported that the e-consult service greatly assisted in their management of cases and provided them with valuable educational advice.

Concluding with a discussion on the expansion plans for the e-consult service and the collaboration with the University of Ottawa to incorporate more specialties, thereby encouraging greater use among GPs.

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 thegoodgp@gmail.com.

In this episode, host Dr Anna Mullins speaks with Dr Preeya Alexander, a GP based in Melbourne who is passionate about preventative health. Dr Alexander utilises social media to debunk health myths and provide reliable health information to the public. She is also the author of "Rainbow Plate," "Eat Sleep Play Love," and "Full Plate," and the host of the podcast "Happy to Health."

Dr Alexander discusses the motivations behind her social media presence, which began in 2016 as a response to the spread of health misinformation. She shares her experiences managing her clinical practice, media engagements, and the challenges that come with addressing health misinformation online. Despite facing significant negativity from certain groups, including anti-vaccination activists, Dr Alexander remains committed to promoting evidence-based health information.

They also covered her approach to giving practical health advice on social media and her emphasis on preventative health. She highlights the importance of GPs providing small, actionable health tips to their patients, especially in areas like nutrition and physical activity. Discussing her books that focus on parenting and cooking, which provide practical, budget-friendly health advice.

Dr Alexander shares insights into her podcast, "Happy to Health," aimed at the general public. The podcast covers various health topics with expert guests, making complex medical information accessible and engaging for listeners.

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 thegoodgp@gmail.com

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Krystyna de Lange welcomes back Dr Tim Jones, a General Practitioner and medical educator with a special interest in general paediatrics. Dr Jones shares his expertise on toddler sleep challenges, providing valuable insights and practical advice for GPs on how to address common sleep issues in young children.

Dr Jones discusses the variability of toddler sleep, emphasising the importance of sleep quality over quantity. He explains that while the average three-year-old requires about 12 hours of sleep per night, this can range from as little as nine hours to as much as 15 hours. The focus is on ensuring that the child is happy, healthy, and well-rested.

Dr Jones talks on the common presentations of toddler sleep issues in a general practice setting. He discusses the importance of thorough history-taking and screening for underlying medical conditions that might affect sleep, such as obstructive sleep apnea, eczema, and allergies. He emphasises the role of family dynamics, daytime sleep patterns, screen use, sugar intake, and physical activity in influencing sleep behaviour.

Various sleep strategies are explored, including addressing nighttime fears, managing dependency on specific items or people, and handling early morning wake-ups. Dr Jones highlights techniques like worry boxes, monster traps, and the "camping out" method to help children feel safe and transition to independent sleep.

Addressing the cautious use of pharmacological interventions, particularly melatonin, emphasising the lack of long-term safety data and potential side effects. He advises focusing on behavioural and environmental techniques before considering medication.

Dr Jones shares a valuable resource for practitioners: the Murdoch Children's Research Institute's "Sleep with Kip" website,

(https://sleepwithkip.com/) which offers evidence-based resources to support early childhood sleep.

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 thegoodgp@gmail.com

• Telehealth video consultations guide
• Telephone and video consultations in general practice: Flowcharts
• MBS updates

In this episode, Dr Krystyna de Lange continues the conversation on menopause with Dr Marita Long, discussing pharmacological management for troublesome menopausal symptoms.

Dr Long begins by addressing non-hormonal pharmacological options for women who either cannot use hormones or choose not to. She covers medications such as SNRIs (Venlafaxine or Desvenlafaxine), SSRIs, Gabapentin, Clonidine, and introduces Fesolinatant, a new treatment option recently approved by the TGA.

They then shift to hormonal menopause replacement therapy (MHT). Dr Long outlines which patients are suitable for hormonal therapy and which are not. She explains the different regimes, including cyclical and continuous treatment, emphasising the importance of matching therapy to the patient's specific needs based on their menopausal status and the presence of a uterus.

Covering the variety of hormone delivery methods available, such as oral, patches, and gels, noting the benefits and considerations of each form. Highlighting the importance of tailoring the approach to the patient's risk profile, particularly concerning cardiovascular health and breast cancer risk.

They concluded with Dr Long recommending effective resources such as the Australasian Menopause Society and Jean Hales for Women's Health, providing valuable information for both healthcare professionals and 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 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 thegoodgp@gmail.com.

In this episode of The Good GP Podcast, host Dr Krystyna de Lange welcomes back Dr Marita Long to discuss the important topic of menopause. With her extensive experience in women's health, Dr Long provides clear and concise definitions that help demystify the terminology surrounding menopause.

Explaining key terms such as menopause, perimenopause, premature menopause, and premature ovarian insufficiency. She outlines the clinical nuances and the symptomatic variations that can occur during these different stages. Providing an in-depth look at the symptoms that women may experience during the perimenopause to post menopausal transition, including mood changes, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, and cognitive changes like brain fog.

Moving into the assessment phase, Dr Long dives into the appropriate investigations and when they are indicated. She emphasises the importance of a comprehensive evaluation for women in the midlife phase, noting when hormonal evaluations might be necessary and when they can be misleading or unneeded.

The discussion also covers non-pharmacological management strategies, focusing on lifestyle modifications such as exercise, diet, stress management, and self-care practices. Dr Long highlights how interventions like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and certain lifestyle changes can alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being during this critical time.

They aim to equip general practitioners with the knowledge and tools needed to support women going through menopause more effectively and empathetically, reinforcing the importance of individualised care and thorough assessment.

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 thegoodgp@gmail.com

In this episode of The Good GP, hosts Dr Sean Stevens and Dr Tim Koh are joined by Dr Chanika Ariyawansa, a WA-trained chemical pathologist with additional training in genetic pathology. Dr Ariyawansa, who holds significant roles in the Australian Association of Clinical Biochemistry, delves into the nuances of liver function tests (LFTs), exploring patterns and implications of abnormal results.

Firstly, with an examination of the prevalence and general patterns of abnormal LFTs, highlighting the commonality of mild and transient abnormalities. Dr Ariyawansa clarifies common misconceptions regarding LFTs, emphasising that not all markers in the standard LFT panel are liver-specific or directly assess liver function.

They also explain in detail individual LFT components such as bilirubin, ALP, GGT, AST, and ALT. The guest expert also categorises potential abnormalities into hepatocellular, cholestatic, mixed, and non-hepatic causes, with practical insights on each. Special attention is given to non-hepatic causes, analytical causes, and how these might influence LFT interpretation.

Dr Ariyawansa's expertise shines as she discusses managing patient anxiety around abnormal LFT results and the practical aspects of educating patients about their liver health. She stresses the utility of resources such as the Pathology Tests Explained website for patient education.

Wrapping up with an engaging Q&A session addressing specific scenarios like non-drinking patients with isolated raised GGT and the impact of statins on LFTs. She answers with clinical relevance, offering listeners practical strategies for understanding and communicating complex test results in their practice.

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 thegoodgp@gmail.com.

In this episode of The Good GP, guest host Dr Catherine Bourke engages with Dr Desmond Chih, an esteemed infectious disease physician and microbiologist, in a comprehensive discussion about tuberculosis (TB). Dr Chih offers an in-depth exploration of the distinctions between latent and active tuberculosis, drawing from his extensive experience at Western Diagnostics Pathology, St John of God Hospital, and Royal Perth Hospital.

Focusing on the fundamental differences between latent TB, which involves a non-symptomatic infection contained by the immune system, and active TB, which is characterised by symptoms such as a prolonged cough, fevers, weight loss, and lymph node enlargement. Dr Chih elaborates on the diagnostic techniques, including the Tuberculin skin test and the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, utilised to detect these conditions.

They then shift the discourse to the epidemiology of TB in Australia, discussing the incidence of active and latent TB predominantly among migrants and the crucial public health responses required. They also touch upon the global concerns related to TB, such as multidrug-resistant strains, and the implications these have on both treatment and containment strategies.

Addressing prevention strategies, particularly the importance of screening for latent TB in individuals who are about to undertake immunosuppressive therapies. The specialists responsible for prescribing these treatments are noted for their diligence in preemptive screenings to prevent the activation of latent TB infections.

Lastly, the conversation covers the management of active TB, reaffirming the use of the conventional four-drug regimen while also mentioning newer drug alternatives for resistant strains. Concluding with Dr Chih responding to listener questions about the risk factors and treatment options specific to various TB scenarios, providing a well-rounded perspective on managing this significant global health issue.

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 thegoodgp@gmail.com