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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Proudly supported by Medtech Global:

The Good GP Podcast is sponsored by Medtech Global, they help GPs be GPs by working with clinicians in Australia and New Zealand to develop Patient Management Systems and healthcare technology. Visit the link for more information:

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In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Krystyna de Lange is joined by Dr Marita Long, as they discuss dementia risk factors and prevention.

Dr Long says that dementia is a chronic disease, with its pathology starting 20 to 30 years before symptoms appear. Delving into the importance of intervention and maintaining brain health throughout life, Dr Long explains that dementia encompasses multiple symptoms with around 100 different causes, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common in Australia.

They then focus on non-modifiable risk factors, such as age and sex, noting that women are twice as likely as men to develop dementia. Exploring the global modifiable risk factors identified by the Lancet Commission, which include educational attainment, hearing impairment, traumatic brain injury, alcohol, obesity, smoking, hypertension, depression, social isolation, physical inactivity, diabetes, and air pollution. Data from the Lancet Commission implies that addressing these modifiable risk factors could prevent or delay 40% of dementia cases globally.

Dr Long suggests beneficial lifestyle practices such as maintaining a varied diet, regular exercise, limited alcohol consumption, no smoking, and consistent social engagement to help prevent dementia. The BrainTrack app, developed by Dementia Australia, is highlighted for its role in raising brain health awareness and measuring cognitive performance through interactive travel games aimed at promoting timely diagnosis of dementia.

They then addressed the increasing concerns about memory changes and dementia worries, suggesting opportunities for risk factor assessment during health assessments and at various life stages, including among individuals with intellectual disabilities and the Indigenous population. The COG DRISK online assessment tool, developed in Australia, is recommended for its comprehensive evaluation of modifiable dementia risk factors, providing a personalised risk score and tailored brain health recommendations for individuals over 40.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Dementia in Practice podcast - https://dta.com.au/news/2021/dementia-in-practice-now-were-talking/
• Dementia Training Australia website (free online courses and resources) - https://dta.com.au/
• Dementia Australia - https://www.dementia.org.au/
• Lancet article on dementia risk factors - https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(20)30367-6/fulltext
• CogDRisk Tool - https://cogdrisk-tool.neura.edu.au/
• Preventing Dementia Mook - https://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/preventing-dementia
• Dementia Braintrack app - https://www.dementia.org.au/braintrack
• Cognitive training - https://www.cognifit.com/
• Cognitive training - https://www.brainhq.com/

Some extra resources Dr Marita Long recommends:

• https://www.mup.com.au/books/secrets-of-womens-healthy-ageing-paperback-softback
• https://lisamosconi.com/the-menopause-brain

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Proudly supported by Medtech Global:

The Good GP Podcast is sponsored by Medtech Global, they help GPs be GPs by working with clinicians in Australia and New Zealand to develop Patient Management Systems and healthcare technology. Visit the link for more information:

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In this episode of The Good GP, host Rebecca Goadby interviews Dr Andrew Martin, a consultant paediatrician at Perth Children's Hospital and an expert in paediatric lipid disorders. Dr Martin has led a paediatric lipid disorders clinic for the past 15 years, specialising in the detection and management of children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) to prevent coronary artery disease.

Dr Martin explains what FH is and discusses its prevalence in children. Sharing that around 20,000 children under the age of 16 are affected by FH in Australia, and emphasises the genetic nature of this condition, highlighting its autosomal dominant inheritance pattern.

They then shift to the critical role GPs can play in diagnosing FH in children. He notes that most children are diagnosed following the identification of an adult index case in their family and underscores the importance of cascade genetic testing, which GPs can facilitate using a Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item number.

Elaborating on the management strategies for FH in children, starting with heart-healthy lifestyle changes and progressing to pharmacological interventions, primarily statins, from the ages of 8 to 10. He highlights that early intervention with statins can significantly reduce the risk of future coronary events.

Additionally, Dr Martin describes the forthcoming launch of FH Australia, a national peak body aimed at supporting individuals and families with FH. Explaining that this organisation will provide resources, education, and advocacy, serving as a valuable resource for both patients and healthcare professionals.

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Proudly supported by Medtech Global:

The Good GP Podcast is sponsored by Medtech Global, they help GPs be GPs by working with clinicians in Australia and New Zealand to develop Patient Management Systems and healthcare technology. Visit the link for more information:

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In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Sean Stevens interviews Dr Hester Wilson, GP & Chief Addiction Medicine Specialist for New South Wales, and Dr Chris Davis, a GP with a special interest in alcohol and other drugs and founder of Clean Slate. They discussed addiction medicine, particularly alcohol use disorders, and the innovative solutions offered by the Clean Slate program.

Dr Hester Wilson begins by explaining the prevalence of alcohol consumption in Australia, highlighting that while most people drink within safer guidelines, a significant percentage exceed these limits. She also discusses the health risks associated with alcohol use, including its role as a toxin and its contribution to medical conditions such as cancer.

Dr Chris Davis outlines the benefits of a home detox compared to residential inpatient detox, emphasising patient acceptability and cost-effectiveness. He explains how the Clean Slate program works, detailing the importance of support systems, the role of the GP, and the use of telehealth for safe detoxification. Dr Davis also touches on the program's affordability and accessibility options, including private insurance rebates and government funding.

Delving into patient selection criteria for home detox and the comprehensive, ongoing support provided by the Clean Slate program. Dr Wilson elaborates on the collaboration between the Clean Slate program and general practitioners, as well as its integration with the RACGP Addiction Specific Interest Group.

Dr Davis concludes by sharing future plans for Clean Slate, which includes expanding access to vulnerable populations and forming the Digital Alcohol Alliance to further improve treatment accessibility.

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Proudly supported by Medtech Global:

The Good GP Podcast is sponsored by Medtech Global, they help GPs be GPs by working with clinicians in Australia and New Zealand to develop Patient Management Systems and healthcare technology. Visit the link for more information:

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In this episode, host Dr Krystyna de Lange welcomes Associate Professor Erin McMenimen, a clinical dermatologist with appointments at the University of Queensland Medical School and Princess Alexandra Hospital, to discuss Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS).

Defining HS as a chronic auto-inflammatory condition, highlighting its similarities to inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis. A/Prof McMenimen explains the disease's pathophysiology, noting that inflammation starts in the hair follicles and leads to scarring and sinus tract formation. Key associated factors are smoking, obesity, family history, and secondary infections.

They then shift to the signs and symptoms of HS, emphasising the importance of early recognition by GPs. A/Prof McMenimen outlines the diagnostic criteria, focusing on abscesses and boils in body folds and the significance of multiple episodes over time.

She also explains the Hurley staging system used to assess HS severity and describes the impact of HS on patients' quality of life, including pain, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, and social isolation.

On the topic of management, They covered lifestyle interventions, including avoiding heat and friction, dietary adjustments, and smoking cessation strategies, followed by stepwise medical treatments like antiseptic washes, topical and oral antibiotics, and anti-androgen therapy. She also discusses advanced treatments for severe cases, including intralesional steroids, de-roofing surgery, and biologics like adalimumab and secukinumab.

A/Prof McMenimen underscores the importance of early referral to dermatologists for effective management and better patient outcomes, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach to care.

Links and Resources:

• Dermnet page on HS: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/hidradenitis-suppurativa
• UQ Dermatology Research Centre page on HS: https://dermatology-research.centre.uq.edu.au/research/hidradenitis-suppurativa
• HS Patient Brochure: https://dermatology-research.centre.uq.edu.au/files/1915/HS-patient-education-and-treatment-guide-pamphlet.pdf

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Proudly supported by Medtech Global:

The Good GP Podcast is sponsored by Medtech Global, they help GPs be GPs by working with clinicians in Australia and New Zealand to develop Patient Management Systems and healthcare technology. Visit the link for more information:

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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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Proudly supported by Medtech Global:

The Good GP Podcast is sponsored by Medtech Global, they help GPs be GPs by working with clinicians in Australia and New Zealand to develop Patient Management Systems and healthcare technology. Visit the link for more information:

Medtech Global