The Good GP

In this episode, Dr Krystyna de Lange hosts Associate Professor Dr Alireza Ahmadvand, a practising GP with a special interest in gastroenterology at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, to discuss disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI).Dr Ahmadvand elaborates on what DGBIs are and provides the latest insights into the pathophysiology, mentioning conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia. He explains the diagnostic criteria and the importance of recognising these conditions in general practice, and highlights the role of GPs in identifying and ruling out structural abnormalities before considering a DGBI diagnosis.They also covered the multifactorial nature of these disorders, including the impact of psychological and psychosocial factors, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, and the interactions between gut microbiome and gut function. Dr Ahmadvand outlines when GPs should consider DGBIs and what red flags to watch for, emphasising the importance of comprehensive evaluations and specialist collaboration.For management, Dr Ahmadvand advocates for a multidisciplinary approach involving dietitians, psychologists, exercise physiologists, and gastroenterologists to provide holistic care. Pharmacological treatments, diet modifications, and psychological interventions, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, are also mentioned as part of a comprehensive management plan.Lastly, Dr Ahmadvand points GPs towards the Rome Foundation's criteria, the Gastroenterological Society of Australia, and patient-focused platforms like Gut Foundation Australia and the IBS Network. He also encourages keeping alongside of the latest research through journals like Neurogastroenterology and Motility.Links & Resources:Rome Iv Diagnostic Criteria For Fgidshttps://theromefoundation.org/rome-iv/rome-iv-criteria/https://theromefoundation.org/resources/rome-iv-criteria-booklet/ (downloadable booklet in PDF)Patient Education MaterialIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/health-advice/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibshttps://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibshttps://www.healthdirect.gov.au/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibsResources From The Australian Journal Of General PracticeThe lived experience of irritable bowel syndrome: A focus on dietary managementhttps://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2022/june/the-lived-experience-of-irritable-bowel-syndromeResearch Instruments/ProjectsValid Instrument for Evaluating Symptoms in the Clinical Setting - Structured Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scale (SAGIS)

In this episode, Dr Sean Stevens hosts a discussion on the topic of public hospital virtual clinics with three distinguished guests: Dr Morgan Rayner, a new fellow GP, Associate Professor Joanna Lawrence, a paediatrician at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne and Director of the Victorian Virtual Specialist Clinic (VVSC), and Dr Dominic Mallon, an immunologist at Fiona Stanley in Perth and founder of the Virtual Immunology Clinic.They explore the origins, purposes, and operational models of the Victorian Virtual Specialist Clinic and the Virtual Immunology Clinic. Associate Professor Joanna Lawrence discusses how the VVSC was established to enable GPs to access specialist expertise more swiftly, to reduce wait times for patients and enhance the ability of community physicians to manage patient care efficiently. Dr Dominic Mallon shares insights into the Virtual Immunology Clinic, how it has successfully reduced patient wait times and facilitated timely access to specialist care, especially in rural areas.Dr Morgan Rayner also provides a first-hand account of using virtual consult services as a junior registrar, discussing the benefits of building relationships with specialists and improving patient care through timely consultations. 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 [email protected] 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-PortalThe 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/networkIf you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected] in this episode:Get 10% Off Lyrebird HealthUnlock a 10% discount on Lyrebird Health by using the code GOODGP and discover how this AI scribe can transform your practice by saving you time and ensuring your documentation sounds just like you: www.thegoodgp.com.au/lyrebirdLyrebird Health

In this episode of The Good GP, Karin Sekhon speaks with Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, a renowned psychiatrist, about premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).Professor Kulkarni explains the distinctions between PMS and PMDD, emphasising that PMS is more prevalent and generally involves physical symptoms like bloating and headaches, while PMDD affects a smaller percentage of women and includes severe psychological symptoms such as major depression, anxiety, and brain fog. She talks about the genetic and environmental factors contributing to PMDD, highlighting a specific gene complex that may be activated by trauma.Discussing the primary pharmacological treatments for PMDD, Professor Kulkarni advises starting with hormonal treatments like the combined oral contraceptive pill; she recommends the pill "Zoely" for its balanced hormone levels. She also elaborates on the use of SSRIs like sertraline for additional support and gives a stepped approach to treatment, including the possible need for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or menstrual suppression in complex cases.They also touched on the potential role of complementary therapies and the importance of holistic care, involving psychological support and lifestyle modifications. Professor Kulkarni provides guidance on when GPs should consider referring patients to specialists and emphasises the collaborative role of GPs in managing PMDD effectively.If you want to learn more about this topic, consider the HER Centre Australia's online short course on Women's Mental Health: https://www.monash.edu/medicine/translational/psychiatry/short-courses/womens-mental-healthThe 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/networkIf you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected] in this episode:Get 10% Off Lyrebird HealthUnlock a 10% discount on Lyrebird Health by using the code GOODGP and discover how this AI scribe can transform your practice by saving you time and ensuring your documentation sounds just like you: www.thegoodgp.com.au/lyrebirdLyrebird Health

Join The Good GP host Dr Krystyna de Lange in an episode with Dr Rebecca Starkie as they discuss the topic of cervical screening and the self-collection method in Australia.Dr Starkie, a GP, practice owner, academic, medical educator, and researcher with a specific interest in women's health, shares her expertise on the success of self-collection for cervical screening. With the uptake of self-collection, especially among older women and those in remote areas, we have seen a reduction in barriers to cervical screening and improved accessThey delve into the eligibility criteria for self-collection, discussing those who can opt for this method and those who still require clinician-collected samples. Expected changes in guidelines for the cervical screening program are also touched upon, emphasising the upcoming recommendations for test-of-cure processes.Sharing insights for GPs on how to effectively explain and guide patients through the self-collection process, including the use of instructional resources and addressing possible patient concerns. Dr Starkie offers practical tips for handling abnormal test results and troubleshooting sampling challenges.Dr Starkie recommended adopting a whole-of-team approach in general practice to support cervical screening efforts, underscoring the importance of involving practice managers, nurses, and reception staff in creating a positive patient experience.Links & Resources:https://acpcc.org.au/practitioners/resource-hub/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/networkIf you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected] in this episode:Get 10% Off Lyrebird HealthUnlock a 10% discount on Lyrebird Health by using the code GOODGP and discover how this AI scribe can transform your practice by saving you time and ensuring your documentation sounds just like you: www.thegoodgp.com.au/lyrebirdLyrebird Health