Do you have any idea about how much of a role Genomics is beginning to play in the care of our patients?  Or do you continue to pretend it doesn't matter? We're excited to introduce a 6-part series that demystifies genomics for Primary Care staff.  In a manner that is easy-to-understand and grounded in the realities of working in Primary Care, the experts cover everything we need to know, step-by-step.  This is episode 1 of 6.  THIS EPISODE Is about helping you understand the importance of Genomics to Primary Care Professionals.  You will learn that applying Genomics ..read more

As a Doctor do you have concerns about the impact of Physician Associates on you, and on patient safety? Or do you welcome their contributions?  As a PA are you a welcome part of the team and well supported? As an AHP or Nurse, can you relate to some of the tensions that exist between the professions? This is the FIRST HALF of a discussion in which hosts Munir Adam (the GP) and Marium Hanif (the PA) explore the PA role and upcoming PA regulation by the GMC 2024.  With input from Stephen Nash, they discuss experiences on the ground, the variety of concerns: Training, pay disparity ..read more

Do any of these things mean anything to you: Shortage of GP appointments! Changing skill mix in Primary Care: Allied Health Professionals.  Lucy Letby case & trust in HCPs Why does it affect us?  What can we do about it?  Dawn and Simon  discuss possible implications for Primary Care professionals.  Do you agree with them? Dawn Hunt, Practice Nurse. Clinical Lead at Integrated Care Support Services Simon Robinson, Advanced Care Practitioner (Paramedic) USEFUL LINKS:  Launch of NHS pharmacy first advanced services:  https://bit.ly/49WSm0R I’m a GP-here ..read more

THIS EPISODE features a discussion on the critical issue of air pollution and its significant impact on health.   Experts from London share insights on the pervasive problem, though the topic is highly relevant UK wide. They discuss different sources of pollution, health effects and the current climate change crisis, and the responsibility and potential for clinicians to advocate change. This podcast is released on 15th February 2024 in memory of the life of Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah and as a testament to the work of her family in bringing this important issue to the forefront of our knowle ..read more

IN THIS EPISODE:  Really get to understand mental health, both for yourself and for your patients.  Co-host, Irina Varlan speaks with Matt Elswood, about the complexities of mental health conditions, stressing the importance of understanding mental health better rather than offering oversimplified solutions. Elswood emphasizes the need for non-prescription solutions  such as developing gratitude, agency, and humility. He presents five categories of preventative measures for all to know about and also the barriers to accessing care.  The conversation also covers the importa ..read more

IN THIS EPISODE Claire and Munir from the PCUK team talk to Rachel Morris about the challenges in General Practice in these turbulant times with evolving roles and uncertainties.  She explains how to think about this differently, in order to not only survive, but to thrive.     SPECIAL THANKS to our guest speaker: Dr Rachel Morris. Rachel is former GP who now helps doctors and other professionals in high stress, high stakes jobs beat burnout and work happier.  Rachel is the host of the Apple Top 100 UK Business Chart podcast ‘You Are Not a Frog’ and creator of the Sha ..read more

IN THIS EPISODE:   Munir Adam discusses the common issue of lower back pain with an expert in the field who:  starts by reminding us about the basics, red flags and then also the need for patient education and empowerment to manage their own pain, instead of relying solely on strong analgesia.  He also discourages unnecessary spine surgery and advises avoiding gabapentin or pregabalin for lower back pain management, as they have been shown to have no beneficial effect.  The discussion then shifts towards a newly developed implant technology called 'spinal cord stimulation ..read more

IN THIS EPISODE:  Are we fulfilling the rights of our homeless patients?   Munir Adam has a conversation with Keith and Carla who work at a GP Practice that treats homeless patients.   They share their experiences, insights, and suggestions for how each of us, wherever our practice is based, can provide a better service for this vulnerable group.   Dealing with homeless patients forms the start of a mini-series dealing with groups of patients to whom the inverse care law applies.  Though much is outside our control, there are things we CAN do to provide them with bett ..read more

IN THIS EPISODE:  You explain it all very clearly to the patient, yet they don't do it.  Why?  Munir Adam talks to Caroline Haines to discuss a healthcare topic that is so incredibly important for all to know about, and yet so often overlooked: Health Coaching. SPECIAL THANKS to our guest speaker:  Caroline Haines. Health & Wellbeing Coach & Supervisor. Leatherhead PCN. USEFUL LINKS: Summarised overview of role:  HWBC 1 pager summary (transformationpartnersinhealthandcare.nhs.uk) Development framework for H&WB coach: NHS England » Workforce development fr ..read more

IN THIS EPISODE we look back over the last year's episodes and hear short snippets from some of the speakers.  This is so that you can: Re-visit the discussions and recall useful learning Decide if you want to re-listen to the conversation Ask yourself whether you managed to implement the changes that you thought you would Decide if you want to listen to an episode, if you haven't already. USEFUL LINKS:  See individual episodes. SEASON 2 is produced by the PCUK Team in partnership with Integrated Care Support Services supporting practices and ICBs with Projects, Training, Resourc ..read more