NB Hot Topics 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

In this latest Hot Topics Podcast, Dr Neal Tucker reflects on the NHSE Rescue Package and asks if we are going to strike are we clear what we want general practice to be? Time for us to make up our minds.In research we look at multimorbidity clusters and consultation rates - how should this influence funding? Also a ray of hope for patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction with empagliflozin - but is it as good as it appears to be? And two papers on AF screening including implanting a mini-ECG machine in your chest wall. Sounds like a lot of effort, but does it help???ReferencesBJGP MM & Consultation RatesNEJM Empagliflozin & HFpEFLancet STROKESTOP study & ILR studywww.nbmedical.com/podcast

In this latest episode of the Hot Topics podcast, Neal Tucker considers why the press have been attacking general practice and who stands to gain. We also look at new research in to giving anti-emetics for children with gastroenteritis, the accuracy of PHQ9 in the assessment of depression and what are safe levels of air pollution.ReferencesBMJ Air pollutionBJGP Ondansetron in children with gastroBMJ PHQ 9 accuracywww.nbmedical.com/podcast

Welcome, to Season 3 of the Hot Topics podcast with Dr Neal Tucker.In this episode, we lament why Health Secretaries appear to hate healthcare. We also look at the rationale for covid boosters with new research on the vaccine response in the immunosuppressed and waning efficacy in the general population.In other research, can a 4-in-1 pill be a helpful 1st line treatment for hypertension?  And should we all be prescribing medical cannabis? The BMJ says yes, but not how.A technical issue today means the SQ is not my best (or muppet-itis), but I've figured it out for next time!ReferencesBMJ Report Covid Vax & ImmunosuppressedNEJM Vaccine Efficacy 6 months onNEJM Israel & 3rd Dose ResultsLancet Quadpill & BPBMJ Medical Cannabiswww.nbmedical.com/podcast

In this summer holidays episode of the Hot Topics Podcast, Neal Tucker looks at the latest research for the primary care community.Firstly, three treatments for covid-19 in community-managed patients - do they work?Next rotator cuff injury - can progressive exercise beat usual care and is there ANY role for steroid injections?Finally, FIT testing for suspected colorectal cancer - do we now have the data to replace colonoscopy?And as you’re here you probably like podcasts, so have a listen to Tamsin Ellis on the BBC talking about general practice and the environment. Link below. ReferencesTamsin Ellis BBC PodcastNHS England Blood Bottle GuidanceCommunity Covid and Azithromycin, Doxycycline and ColchicineLancet Rotator Cuff Injury BJGP letterBJGP editorials - infection and CVD, expanding the role of GPBJGP FIT testingwww.nbmedical.com/podcast

In this episode, Neal Tucker squeezes in a podcast between childcare during self-isolation. When he's let out there will be a new sort of Freedom in England, should the rest of the UK be jealous? We think about rising covid numbers, how this impacts general practice (and the rest of the health service), and what role vaccination for children should play in this complex situation.Also, we look at new research on evidence-based drug optimisation strategies in multimorbid and question why they don't work and whether this matters, and antispasmodics for low back pain. Most of us prescribe them, are they really helpful?ReferencesNew Scientist Is it time for the UK to vaccination children against covid 19?JAMA Long term Symptoms After COVID infection in children and adolescentsBMJ OPERAM studyBMJ Antispasmodics in LBPwww.nbmedical.com/podcast

In this episode of the Hot Topics Podcast, Neal Tucker considers if there is a crisis of identity in GP and how the ever-increasing workload has changed the traditional role of a GP. Is there a solution? Possibly, but not everyone will agree.In new research, we focus on new technology. Are implantable rhythm monitors helpful after stroke? Do wearable glucose monitors improve diabetes care? Is more data always better?References:BJGP Editorial from Euan LawsonBJGP Editorial from Clare GeradaBJGP Editorial on crisis of identity in GPNICE Diagnostic Guideline Implantable Arrythmia MonitorsJAMA Implantable arrythmia monitors after strokeJAMA continuous glucose monitoring in T2DMLancet continuous glucose monitoring in T1DMwww.nbmedical.com/podcast