Ep 30 – Opioids and musculoskeletal pain

In this episode, which has been recorded for Chronic Conditions Month 2021, Dr Peter Bagshaw (Clinical Lead in Dementia and Mental Health, South Gloucestershire CCG) and Dr Rob Hampton (Portfolio GP, Leicester) explore the use of opioids for musculoskeletal pain and examine alternative approaches to treatment. Do opioids have a role in managing musculoskeletal pain? How are guidelines in this area evolving? In what ways is our understanding of psychosomatic contributors improving? What should GPs be looking at in consultations, especially when time is limited?

Palliative care, Rheumatology

5 May 2021

Ep 24 – Key considerations when prescribing steroids

Steroids are prescribed for a range of health conditions. In this podcast, which has been recorded for Chronic Conditions Month 2021, Dr Steve Holmes (Clinical Respiratory Lead for NHS Somserset) and Dr Kevin Fernando (GP Partner at North Berwick Health Centre and Education Director for GPnotebook Education) discuss the factors that primary care clinicians need to be aware of when prescribing these drugs. What are the most common side effects with steroid use? What do clinicians need to do to minimise the risk of adrenal crisis when withdrawing steroids? What should sick-day guidance look like for people on long-term steroid treatment? How vigilant do clinicians need to be for steroid-induced diabetes?

Covid-19, Diabetes and endocrinology, Respiratory & chest medicine, Rheumatology

20 April 2021

Ep 11 – British Society for Rheumatology guidance, DMARDs, steroid therapy and COVID-19

Kevin covers helpful BSR guidance including a risk stratification and scoring grid for those with rheumatological conditions who are receiving immunosuppressive therapies, and considers which patients should be advised to practice shielding.

Covid-19, Rheumatology

6 April 2020

Ep 9 – Tips and hacks on diagnosing and managing osteoporosis in primary care

Kevin considers the challenges related to managing osteoporosis in the context of conflicting clinical guidelines, including who to assess for fracture risk, who to treat (and with what agent) and how long to treat individuals for.

Rheumatology

21 February 2020

Ep 8 – Tips and hacks on diagnosing and managing gout in primary care

Dr Kevin Fernando explains why the thinking around gout needs to change, along with common questions in relation to its management in primary care. What lifestyle advice should be given? When should urate-lowering therapy be offered, and what options are available? For those with a history of gout, how can future episodes be avoided?

Rheumatology

17 February 2020