eGPlearning Podblast

Contact us and share your opinion3 GPs in an eGPlearning Podblast Welcome by Andy, Gandhi and…….Shubz How did Shubz get into podcasting from his mygpevents journey to listening to inspirational speakers. This led to his podcast 2GPs in a pod and speaking with Zoe Williams, Rupy Aujla and others‘You do not have to leave medicine to do all this other cool stuff’Gandhi talks about having flux in your working week as recommended by notable people like Warren Buffet and Pat Flynn We discuss how to utilise time as a locum for portfolio working and balance in your roles.Andy talks about the ease of saying yes, but the importance of saying no occasionally We then discuss the Next Gen GP programme created by Nishma Manek with amazing talks by Nikki Kanani (our Supreme leader- including how difficult it has been for both podcasts to pin her down for an interview given NHS England oversight).  Gandhi talks about the importance of teams around you and how they can support you ie his partners and working on the podblast with Andy as a team. Shubz echoed this with a shout out to his MyGPevents partners Mehul and Max.  We did a recap of Andy and Gandhi’s year, starting with Gandhi which including being elected and attending his first RCGP Council meeting as a National Rep, and the importance of having your say- including his controversial comments on the partnership review by Nigel Watson.  We all talked about how the omission of a baseline increase in the global sum seemed confusing and the impact of indemnity funding and planned changes to pension regulations that may significantly impact the future of GP partnerships.  Gandhi finished off with talking about his continued efforts with the eGPlearning platform including TipThursday on YouTube, and his 84km Pilgrimage in Iraq in October.  Andy talks about his work with the NCGPA including signposting health- a project applicable to any locality to help with practice-based signposting, his video journey for patient information videos for the area:Which has gone mainstream by being shown in the Broadway Cinema in Nottingham in the new year. He also talked about the power as a partner being able to innovate in your own practice. HIs focus has been on creating a user-friendly website seen here: Parkside medical practice Note Andy did all the illustrations, which is also on offer to your our listeners as part of the collaborator reward for supporting the eGPlearning Podblast on  Patreon ac

Contact us and share your opinionHi #eGPlearners do you need some Headspace?Working in healthcare whether as a GP, part of the primary care team or in hospitals can be emotionally stressful. There are many ways to manage stress and lately mindfulness is seen as an effective tool to support stress management. But access can be tricky – so let us look to technology to help in the form of Headspace.Edit  Headspace was founded in 2010 by Rich Pierson and Andy Puddicombe (who wrote the Headspace guide to Mindfulness and Medication).  The Headspace platform offers unique content varying from guided meditations to animations and videos via the Headspace website and mobile app, teaching users the techniques of mindfulness.The app is free to download and use with extra features behind a subscription paywall. These extra functions include modules to help deal with stress,  difficulties in focusing, sleep issues, chronic pain,  fear of flying and more. It also has dedicated sections to help with younger people such as settling the active child at night. The variable module length is useful with a minimum of 3 minutes meaning anyone can use at some point in the day. I love the animations which do draw me in, and the interface which is easy to use. The guided meditations work well and its simplicity is a key reason I do recommend this app to patients as well. With often limited timely access to mental health support, I have found this a useful tool for several patients as an adjunct to their treatment.  Just simply switch on the app, select your module and time length, audio or headphones on and go. The app also continues to work if you have to multi-task with your device. I accept this may defeat the object of guided mindfulness- but a useful feature to know about. Additionally, the app is resource packed including the obstacle section in the settings which are short free modules which offer advice on overcoming obstacles when trying to use the app such as worry, posture, stiffness, pain etc. With the rise of AI assistants like Google Home, Siri, and Alexa you can also set Headspace to run from these systems like using the Headspace Skill for your Amazon Echo. As mentioned the extra modules come at a cost. Last year Headspace was offered as part of the BMA membership at a reduced rate (as mentioned in a previous eGPlearning Podblast episode).Currently, the app is on offer for £44 for a year compared to £9.99 a month or £72 a year if paid annually. Another option is to sign up at a reduced rate via Anxiety UK as part of their membership. I do like the interface and it is simple to use, however, I would like to change the voice if possible to customise it more, also I can see how social sharing of goals can be a valuable asset, much how many running apps use this method as a motivator. However, I can also appreciate this is not a feature all users would want given how physical health and mental health are viewed. Feel free to given Headspace a try either for yourself or for patients. Do not forget to subscribe to our various channels and feel free to comment below or on the various channels.

Contact us and share your opinionHi #eGPlearnersWelcome to the weekly showcase of Technology-enhanced primary & learning resources from eGPlearning.In this final part of the series on using Twitter as a clinician, I share my own personal hints and tips on using Twitter and how you can use it to collect and manage your continuous professional development (CPD). This episode contains hints on who to follow, how to engage in a twitter debate, which primary care and clinical hasthtags are worth following, and how to create your won CPD Twitter system. Subscribe on YouTube for the latest video or follow and share the eGPlearning Facebook page for more. As always, comment, share and keep eGPlearning. #TipThursday

Contact us and share your opinionAnatomy of a TweetHi #eGPlearners – Do you know the anatomy of a tweet?In this episode of TipThursday we continue the series looking at how to use Twitter as a clinician by looking deeper at what I call the anatomy of a tweet. This episode is a showcase of the Twitter interface including how to use the newsfeed, search, trending and moments, sections, notifications, personal messages, exploring your own and other’s profiles, retweeting, quoting and liking a tweet; and how to create a tweet including images, videos, gifs and more.This video uses my own personal profile and references various others including @matthancock and @NikkiKF.If you want to subscribe to the DrGandalf UK Primary care twitter list see here: https://twitter.com/drgandalf52/lists/drgandalf-uk-primary-care/membersNext week we explore more specifically how Twitter may help you as a clinician, how you can use it for continuous professional development and a few of my personal tips.Watch the full video below, or subscribe on our audio platforms:iTunes: bit.ly/eGPlearningiTunesPodbean: bit.ly/eGPlearningPodbeanSpotify: bit.ly/eGPlearningSpotifySubscribe, comment, share and keep eGPlearning.#TipThursday

Contact us and share your opinioneGPLearning Podblast Video Consultations Nov 2018 Welcome & Thanks to our sponsorHTN - Health Tech Newspaper, an innovative daily news and opinion website for the health tech network. www.thehtn.co.ukRecently had their HTN awards and sign up for the HTN week (£32 for the whole week) but we are on the afternoon of Thursday Jan 24th afternoon - sign up here: https://www.thehtn.co.uk/2018/11/18/pre-order-htn-digital-week-magazine/Sign up here to our Patreon account: https://www.patreon.com/eGPlearning Welcome to those watching us on youtube...We are trying something new we are recording a behind the scenes video as special content for our youtube followers. Thanks for your feedback and retweets...@Jaycemelody@SonaliKinra@thehealth1tech@NCGPANotts@NottsLMC@somedocs doctors on social media group - retweeted us- thanks@annalise2406 - great feedback re the app and iplato@orcha - app review organisation connected with NHS App Library - kindly retweeted us@NikkiKF - acting Director of Primary care for NHS England What have we been doing?Andy - New sketch - Dr Damocles http://avoidingpuddles.com/2018/10/15/dr-damocles-looks-for-a-new-partner/Gandhi - Pilgrimage - read more on blog post, eGP DRAMA, #TipThursday, RCGP Council Representative - First Meeting  Today main Topic is Video Consultations… Remember listeners - we are not experts, these are just our opinions Is there demand?Venture capital and investors are putting money behind it so there is believe in the technology and concept from investors.@UNHS_Cripps Have experimented with @MattHancock (Health Secretary) is a GP at Hand patient and advocate of technology and is behind the concept. But what problem are we solving?Low capacity or convenience?Probably more for patient convenience than increase capacity - but maybe if replaces home visits?... What happens in a typical video consultation?Gandhi describes his experience of working with Babylon Health @babylonhealth Discussion of video consultation business models…Babylon / GP at Hand, LIVI, QDoctor, Push doc

Contact us and share your opinionHi #eGPlearnersI am a big fan of social media and often I get asked how can I use social media effectively as a clinician. In this series, we will look at how to use Twitter as a clinician. Twitter is a micro-blog site that lets you post (tweet) comments or re-port (retweet) comments of others to share information. Originally tweets were limited to 140 characters but this has now increased to 280 – however, you still have to be concise. Twitter allows the rapid sharing of information and can be an effective way of supporting learning and information discovery as well as networking. This TipThursday focuses on the basics of creating an account the first step to using Twitter. This includes creating your own profile and initial guidance on where to find medical tweeters (or twits if you want ;p) to follow (check out this twitter list for hints).  For information on creating safe passwords read the blog post here:  Next week we will look at the anatomy of a tweet including common terms and how you can post, learn more about profiles and start on your journey to become a part of the Twitterati. The final week will cover more tips on using Twitter including specifically as a clinician and important considerations. Please comments and share any challenges you have, or if this TipThursday has made you take the leap into Twitter let me know. I am happy to help on @drgandalf52 or @egplearning. As always: Subscribe, comment, share and keep eGPlearning. #TipThursday

Contact us and share your opinionHi #eGPlearnersWelcome to the weekly showcase of Technology-enhanced primary & learning resources from eGPlearning.This episode looks at NHS Digital resources and governance posted on the eGPlearning Facebook page (facebook.com/Egplearning/) or available here: This is pertinent guidance that talks about four key areas such as instant messaging apps, video conferencing, bring your own device (BYOD) and mobile device use in hospital. Listen to the video below or read our brief notes under for more details. Messaging apps:This document outlines key aspects such as encryption, passcode use, notification issues, and remote wiping- key aspects with most of the following guidance. The guidance does not specify which apps to use despite mentioning a few and ignores apps specifically used for secure healthcare instant messaging like Siilo, Forward and Cupris to name a few. This was covered in our previous episodes of the eGPlearning Podblast about GDPR and our interview with Dr Aisha Malik. Video Conferencing:This guidance offers information about the use of video conferencing as a service provider, clinician and aspects for patients to be aware. It also offers a template consent form citing that use should not be compulsory. These are interesting aspects which are covered in more detail in the upcoming eGPlearning Podblast episode out at the end of this month. Click the links below to make sure you subscribe for this episode which talks in depth about video conferencing in primary care. BYODIncreasingly BYOD is being considered for healthcare delivery given the lower cost to organisations and increasing in remote and part time working. This document does outline key issues to consider as both a provider and user. Particularly focusing on safety and responsibility such as two-factor authentication, sandboxing of software and remote wiping of data. Mobile device use in hospitals. How devices are used is changing. This document does outline key considerations and regulations that are applicable. The last sheet is an excellent summary. What are your thoughts on these NHS Digital resources?Do not forget to subscribe to our various channels to be the first to hear more useful TipThursday bites, and as always:Comment, share and keep eGPlearning. #TipThursday

Contact us and share your opinioneGPlearning Podblast is the UK's leading primary care focussed health tech podcast by two Nottingham based GPs covering recent topics, useful clinical apps, interviews with primary care health tech innovators and in-depth perspectives on health tech.Hosted by Dr Hussain Gandhi (@drGandalf52) and Dr Andrew Foster (@drawfoster).In this episode, Dr Gandalf talks to Dr Aisha Malik owner of Doctorsinbusiness.org a website which is dedicated to getting doctors and medics more visible online.We talk about her acceptance onto the Clinical entrepreneur fellowship led by Prof Tony Young (@DrTonyYoung).We discuss if GPs are ideally placed to change the NHS.I challenge Aisha to Make a video blog for all the eGPlearners to learn from regarding her experiences.Aisha then explains her top 5 tips for using social media as a practice. See her Pulsetoday article here.We then discuss the implications of consulting on social media including how that may differ from the work of Babylon, Pushdoctor and Doctor Care Anywhere.I then ask Aisha her favourite work an non-work related apps. We talk about a project management app Asana and then discuss other methods like Siilo or Forward.We then talk about her favourite non-clinical app- Audible - like the netflix of reading - ideal for any podcast listeners.   We finish off asking the perennial question. How would you spend £100 million on health tech with no red tape. To contact Dr Aisha Malik either on twitter or on the Doctorsinbusiness website. Here is your certificate of engagement.In the next episode, we cover the implications of telemedicine in primary care- small topic ......honest. 

Contact us and share your opinionSitting is the new smoking. Staying sedentary for several hours a day increases your risk of diabetes. So should you stand as a GP?I remember visiting my GP as a child. Sit in the waiting room normally sullen and low because of yet another episode of tonsillitis. Then I was called into the doctor’s office. I would enter a room that CQC would now shut down in a heartbeat with mosaic rugs, plush furry chairs, and a beautiful mahogany desk.And there was the GP….sitting behind his desk. I remember him moving in his chair to get some forms from a cabinet. I remember him asking me to stand as he examined me sitting in his executive chair, and I remember him always sitting behind a desk. Fast forward to a couple of years ago. I remember finishing work with my shoulders feeling tight, my lower back aching for a stretch, as I scooted in my chair to get a form from my cabinet next to my desk. It was at that point I realised I had been sitting in my chair for over four hours. I wanted to change this sedentary life. I had a chat with my partners and highlighted I would be changing my room. Shortly after I got a rising desk (Yoyo-90). I love it. The build quality is excellent with significant heft. The hydraulic risers are simple to clip and push my whole station upwards to allow me to stand. Initially I could only manage an hour or so before my legs tired out and I had to sit again. A further investment in a standing mat helped there. Within a month I was standing while doing all my admin. Then I took the plunge and stood while consulting with patients.  Some will feel less happy about standing while consulting. I know in sharing my story I have heard several criticisms such as:It means you are trying to rush the patientTo stand over a patient is to exert a power dynamic in the consultationIt means you are trying to hide the screen from the patientOver the past year, I have not found any of these to be true. In my clinic, patients sit while I stand (see the chairs above). If a patient feels uncomfortable I will sit, however, I have only been asked this twice in the past 18 months.When there is a need for additional empathy, I often sit next to the patient. I actively share my screens when needed with the patients. Patients often comment on the desk, about seeing similar in the media and how positive such changes are. Sounds encouraging and even our Secretary of State for Health and Social Care – Matt Hancock is very pro-standing desks. However, it is important to recognise that standing desks on their own is not enough.  This is a useful article and another here that comments on the opposing view. This includes complications of standing for long periods (tiredness, varicose veins, musculo-skeletal pain from adjusted positions of screens etc.)Encouraging our patients to be more active is important. So for Self-care week, I am showing how it works in my practice.  Watch the video below and feedback your thoughts on should you stand as a GP?#TipThursday    

Contact us and share your opinionHi #eGPlearnersWelcome to the weekly showcase of Technology-enhanced primary & learning resources from eGPlearning.When should I worry? This is a common question for parents when looking after an unwell child. In primary care, this can often be a challenge for clinicians to manage due to parental anxiety, the expectation of treatments like antibiotics, concerns about antibiotic resistance and growing demand. A helpful resource which can be used with and for patients is the When should I worry booklet found at www.whenshouldiworry.com.This short booklet provides clear and helpful advice on managing common conditions that can be self-managed by parents, with advice on self-care options, symptom management and importantly clear guidance on when to see further advice. The website even offers training on how to use the booklet effectively, and it is available in a variety of languages. Taking it one step further, you may choose to send parents the weblink for the booklet and for the English version: use this helpful case-sensitive shortlink: bit.ly/eGPlearningWSIWFor proactive practices, you could send this as a public information message to all registered parents or share via practice social media channels. Watch the video guide below and free to share your thoughts on this resource and as always:Comments, share and keep eGPlearning. #TipThursday