NB Hot Topics Podcast

In this new episode of the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical.  Dr Neal Tucker reflects on a busy week in the politics of UK general practice: "plans for change" from the English health secretary, but the head of primary care for NHSE says partnerships aren't going anywhere. Meanwhile, Panorama highlights the challenges for private companies running NHS GP practices. Where will it all end up? Answers on an e-consult, or email us at hottopics@nbmedical.com.Meanwhile, there is some research! Important new data from the BJGP on the accuracy of the NICE traffic light system for fever in <5yos suggesting those old GPs might have been right all along; also can internet-based therapy for PTSD be as good as traditional therapy? And is there any role for opioids post-surgery?www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to the latest Hot Topics podcast with Dr Neal Tucker.  This week we think about monkeypox. Do we need to worry? What do we need to look out for? Can my pet rat give it to me? Beyond a disease very few of us are likely to ever see, we look at new research on improving mobility in people with frailty and sarcopenia - can exercise classes and nutrition make a real-world difference? We consider a BJGP paper on preventative medicine - why don't we do more, what are the barriers and what really works? Our final piece of research examines whether treating mild hypertension in pregnancy is beneficial or detrimental to mother and baby. Are the NICE guidelines right?ReferencesMonkeypox info UK gov & WHOBMJ Maintaining mobility in older people with frailtyBJGP Prevention in practiceNEJM Treating mild hypertension in pregnancyNICE Guideline on chronic hypertension in pregnancywww.nbmedical.com/podcast

In the latest Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical Dr Neal Tucker discusses the latest research important in primary care and interviews two experts in improving asthma care and sustainable healthcare.In new research we examine: The role of self-monitoring of BP in women with hypertension or higher risk of pre-eclampsia - does it provide early detection?Do ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitor provide additional real-world benefits over statins alone? Which is best?Can an oral biological agent, baricitinib, provide some hope for patients with severe alopecia?We are also joined by Dr Aarti Bansal and Dr Veena Aggarwal to talk about improving asthma care with a new Asthma Toolkit from Greener Practice and healthcare sustainability in the UK. Why are our asthma outcomes poor? Can simple measures improve care? What is the NHS doing to help primary care reduce its carbon footprint?If you want more join us for our FREE NB Clinic on Tuesday 17th May, 8pm, for Improving Asthma Care and Thinking Green.ResourcesGreener Practice Asthma ToolkitJAMA Self-monitoring of BP in PregnancyBMJ Ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors for Reducing CVD Risk: network meta-analysisBMJ Lipid-lowering medication Rapid Recommendations NEJM Baricitinib for AlopeciaFaculty of Medical Leadership and Management Fellowship webpageBMJ Open Cost of Switching Asthma Inhalerswww.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome to another Hot Topics podcast with Dr Neal Tucker.  In this busy edition, we discuss whether national guidelines are affected by bias against race or ethnicity, potentially driving health inequalities. GP and researcher Dr Dipesh Gopal joins us for an interview to examine issues around NICE hypertension guidance. In new research, we have papers on whether a 4th covid vaccine dose actually provides additional protection, how long patients remain at increased risk from acute covid complications after infection, whether breast pain and cancer are linked, how women feel about delayed antibiotics for UTI and what is the optimum dose schedule for iron supplementation in anaemia.Next podcast we'll be interviewing the founder of the Greener Practice network, which has just published a new website - www.greenerpractice.co.uk - full of useful resources to make GP more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Back after Easter.References1. Lancet editorial on Ockenden report2. Kings Fund review of NHS Patient Satisfaction survey 3. BJGP Breast pain and cancer4. BJGP Non-antibiotic treatment of UTI5. BJGP Iron supplementation review6. BMJ Risk of VTE/bleeding post-covid7. NEJM 4th dose covid vaccine8. Greener Practice websitewww.nbmedical.com/podcast

In the Hot Topics podcast, Neal Tucker discusses the latest primary care news and research.This week:Reflecting on NHS England's PCN stipulations - general practice finds itself in a lose-lose situation. Is it a coincidence it comes just as a think tank backed by the health secretary pushes for all GPs to be salaried? Research:Hamsters can give you covid. What should we do? LancetThe Triple F*** Syndrome - a different way to think about personality disorder? BJGPWhat do young people with mental health issues value from general practice and what helps. BJGP Durability of maternal COVID antibodies in infants - is natural infection or vaccination best? JAMAAlso, keep a look on the website www.nbmedical.com for our free Migrant Health webinar Tuesday 26th April at 7:30 pm.www.nbmedical.com/podcast

In the latest Hot Topics podcast with Dr Neal Tucker, we reflect on the government removing covid measures and how this affects general practice.  In research, we have a look at a timely BMJ paper on the accuracy of lateral flow tests? As we prepare to stop testing, does the data provide us with some reassurance? We also have a look at a new way of assessing the risk of DVT and whether it can safely identify low-risk patients and reduce referral rates. And remember Zika? A new paper in the NEJM highlights to risks for children exposed to zika in utero.ReferencesBMJ Accuracy of Covid LFTsBMJ Diagnosing DVTNEJM Zika infant mortalitywww.nbmedical.com/podcast

After not being out the house for 13 days due to him and the kids having covid, Neal Tucker uses the Hot Topics podcast for a bit of escapism.Apart from singing the blues, in this podcast we discuss the latest medical news including reports of racism in the NHS, government calls for nationalisation of general practice and the negative effects of pandemic priorities on routine care from the National Diabetes Audit.Meanwhile in the journals we look at two papers demonstrating the effectiveness of new acute covid treatments on non-hospitalised patients but ask the question: is it worth it? And two papers showing how continuity may be more effective than any medication in improving patient outcomes. Too good to be true? Let us know what you think on email hottopics@nbmedical.com, twitter @gphottopics or GP Horizon.ReferencesRacism in the NHS BMA survey reportGovernment plans to nationalise general practiceNational Diabetes Audit reportRemdesivir in non-hospitalised covid patientsCasirivimab and Imdevimab in asymptomatic covid patientsWhat are GPs for, when the chips are down?The invisible GPA call to charityContinuity of care in NorwayContinuity of care on dementia outcomeswww.nbmedical.com/podcast

Happy New Year! Welcome to a new episode of the Hot Topics podcast with Neal Tucker.In this episode, we have a look at research that states the obvious (non-covid infections went down during lockdowns) and why we feel the need to formalise it. We also look at new research suggesting a shorter duration of anticoagulation may be appropriate after provoked VTE in younger people. We have new research showing the benefits of thrombectomy after stroke for well beyond a 6-hour window. We also have research showing which drug option may be most effective to aid weight loss. No songs today - too busy writing the Spring Hot Topics course - but a smattering of Dad jokes. Don't say I didn't warn you...ReferencesBMJ Infection rates during covid measuresJAMA Duration of anticoagulation after provoked VTE in <21yoLancet Successful time limits for thrombectomy post-CVALancet Pharmacotherapy for Obesity network meta-analysisGP Horizonwww.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome everyone to the last Hot Topics podcast for 2021! In this episode Neal Tucker discusses the omicron variant, the cancelling of the festive season for general practice and  the effectiveness of vaccines and boosters. While it doesn't feel like there's much cheer at the moment he also reflects on our achievements this year and reasons for us to hold our heads up high.Plus he tries to write music again - stick around to the end for the Omicron carol - it is Christmas after all. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone! Good luck over the next few weeks!www.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome back to another Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker.Everyone in his family has a cold - is this the anticipated surge in respiratory tract infections we've expected to see or could it have a simpler explanation?We also look at the new draft Depression guideline from NICE, asking can we deliver the promises, long covid guidance in the knowledge we can't and new data on the effectiveness of inflatable intragastric balloon bariatric surgery.ReferencesRCGP Weekly RTI reportDr Farah Jameel speechDraft NICE Depression guidelineBJGP Long COVID guidanceLancet Intragastric Balloon Bariatric Surgerywww.nbmedical.com/podcast