In this episode of The Good GP podcast, host Dr Karin Sekhon talks to Dr Alex Shivarev, a public health physician from the WA Department of Health, to discuss the emerging public health concern of monkeypox, now also referred to as Mpox. Providing insights for GPs on the epidemiology, transmission, and clinical manifestations of the monkeypox virus, along with the distinction between the clade Ib and clade IIb strains.

Dr Shivarev explained what monkeypox is, its origins, and the different strains that have emerged. Discussing the recent increase in monkeypox cases globally and the response from both international bodies and local health authorities. He also highlighted the differences in transmission routes and the populations most at risk, including gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.

Dr Shivarev mentions the vaccination with the JYNNEOS vaccine, which is available and recommended for eligible individuals. He also provided detailed guidance on the clinical presentation and diagnosis of monkeypox, emphasising the importance of history-taking and examination findings in identifying potential cases.

Lastly, they touched upon the future of monkeypox outbreaks and the potential for control measures to prevent further spread. Dr Shivarev reassures listeners that the risk of a wide-scale outbreak akin to the COVID-19 pandemic is low, given the effective public health measures in place and the community's prior successful response to the 2022 outbreak.

Resources and Links:

• ASHM Mpox Resource Toolkit - https://ashm.org.au/resources/mpox-resource-toolkit/
• Mpox Quick guide for primary health care workers WA - https://www.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/Corp/Documents/Health-for/Infectious-disease/Monkeypox/Monkeypox-quick-guide-for-clinicians.pdf
• Mpox (monkeypox) (health.wa.gov.au) (clinician focus)
• Mpox (monkeypox) (healthywa.wa.gov.au) (consumer focus)

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In this episode of The Good GP, host Karin Sekhon engages in an insightful conversation with Dr Judith Thompson, specialist continence and pelvic health physiotherapist and clinical director of BodyLogic Pelvic Health Clinic in Perth. She shares her knowledge on the benefits of pelvic floor physiotherapy and its broad applications across various stages of life and conditions.

Dr Thompson elaborates the training in becoming a pelvic health physiotherapist and outlines the range of conditions managed, including bladder and bowel continence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic floor dysfunction in both women and men. They also covered management strategies for men post-prostate surgery and children with continence issues.

They also talked about the management of endometriosis-related pelvic pain. Dr Thompson explains the holistic approach taken, considering bladder, bowel, and pain management, and emphasises the importance of exercise, pelvic floor muscle assessment, and pacing plans. She also addresses the psychosocial elements, using tools like the 3PSQ for early identification of psychological factors influencing pain.

Financial barriers to accessing pelvic physiotherapy were also discussed, with Dr Thompson offering practical advice on leveraging public system referrals, EPC programs, and telehealth services to make treatment more accessible. Highlighting resources such as the Matilda app for endometriosis care and the Coast to Country program for rural patients.

Dr Thompson also touched upon the often-overlooked needs of young men experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms and pelvic pain, advocating for early physiotherapy assessment and holistic management.

Links & Resources:

• The Pelvic Pain Psychological Screening Questionnaire (3PSQ) - https://www.wmhp.com.au/sites/default/files/3PSQ.pdf
• Matilda Health - Home | Endometriosis surgery: care before and after to optimise outcomes. (matilda.health)
• Coast to Country Pelvic Health Clinic - https://pelvichealth.physio/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Poster.pdf

The VVSC is available to any GP working in Victoria. The collab-consult model is a free 20-minute case conference with a specialist (with or without the patient). The collab-consult enables GPs to access timely expert advice to support managing their patients in the community. CPD can be claimed for participating in a case conference. Booking is easy through https://vvsc.org.au/ or email VVSC@nh.org.au.

The Virtual Immunology Clinic is available to any GP in WA who is in or very near the Fiona Stanley Hospital Catchment area for public hospital outpatients services (South Metro, South West, Great Southern)

The link to register, log in and refer is: South Metropolitan Health Service - SMHS Online Services Portal https://smhs.health.wa.gov.au/Our-services/SMHS-Online-Services-Portal

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.

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In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Sean Stevens sits down with Dr Jenny Brockis and Dr Amandeep Hansra to discuss their upcoming keynote presentations at GP24 in Perth. Providing insightful perspectives on the evolving landscape of general practice and the essential role that GPs play in the healthcare system.

Dr Jenny Brockis introduced her keynote address, "Happy, Healthy, and Fulfilled: Reimagining Practitioner Wellbeing," where she emphasises the importance of self-care for general practitioners. She discusses the complexities and challenges GPs face today, including the rapid changes in medical information, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and evolving patient expectations. Dr Brockis advocates for a shift in practice to better support GP wellbeing to prevent burnout and ensure the highest quality of patient care.

Dr Amandeep Hansra shares her experiences in the digital health and innovation space and shares a preview of her keynote. Dr Hansra talks about her journey towards integrating digital solutions in general practice and the significant impact it can have on patient care. She highlights upcoming initiatives, including a hackathon designed to foster innovative solutions from frontline GPs. Dr Hansra also discusses her role as the Chief Clinical Advisor for the Australian Digital Health Agency, focusing on how government initiatives are building foundational tools to enhance digital health innovation.

Early bird registrations for the GP24 in Perth close on Monday, 7th of October. Visit racgp.org.au to secure your discounted rates!

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

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