NB Hot Topics Podcast
107 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago -The Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical brings you the latest in general practice current affairs, reviews the latest research relevant to primary care, explores interesting and important topics in-depth, and looks at cutting edge medicine.
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Episodes
S5 E11: AF, Hypertension & Future Cardiac Disease; DRE and Prostate Cancer Screening: Is It Time to Stop? Interview with Amy Rylance & Sam Merriel
April 19, 2024 12:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBWelcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. To DRE or not to DRE? This is the question and the main event in this episode. We have a fantastic interview with Amy Rylance, Head of Improving Care at Prostate Cancer UK, and Sam Merriel, GP and academic clinical lecturer, discussing their recent Clinical Practice paper in the BJGP: Is the digital rectal exam any good as a prostate cancer screening test? In other research, we have two papers with a common theme. Fir...
S5 E10: Doctors Are Cheaper than Nondoctors; Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Under-Recognised; Helping Older People Stay at Home
March 28, 2024 13:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MBWelcome back to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with host Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we start by thinking about the news. Firstly, the overwhelming consensus from GPs in England to not support the imposed contract. Secondly, the ongoing discussion around physician associates in general practice, where we touch on an interesting report from South Mississippi around the costs and other outcomes of non-doctor-led primary care. Thirdly, NHS patient satisfaction - is important to t...
S5 E9: “The Strike Song”; Maintaining Weight Loss; Exercise & Depression; Microplastics in Your Arteries
March 08, 2024 13:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBWelcome back to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode we think about another year of imposed GP contract on practices in England, the BMA response and where it may lead. In research, we have three fascinating new papers. Firstly, a paper examining how to maintain weight loss after a low-calorie diet – is structured exercise, liraglutide or both better than usual care? Secondly, in the BMJ a systematic review exploring whether exercise should be conside...
S5 E8: "Pharmacy First Song"; Rehab for Long Covid; Urate to Predict Acute Gout
February 15, 2024 15:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBWelcome back to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we think about the pay offer for practices in England, a new King’s Fund report on the under-funding of primary care for three decades, and the introduction of Pharmacy First. In new research, we have two papers. First, in the BMJ, can an online combined exercise and psychological programme improve quality of life for patients struggling after hospitalisation with covid? Second, in JAMA, can serum ...
S5 E8: "Pharmacy First Song"; rehab for long covid; urate to predict acute gout
February 15, 2024 15:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBWelcome back to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode we think about the pay offer for practices in England, a new King’s Fund report on the under-funding of primary care for three decades, and the introduction of Pharmacy First. In new research we have two papers. First, in the BMJ, can an online combined exercise and psychological programme improve quality of life for patients struggling after hospitalisation with covid? Second, in JAMA, can serum u...
S5 E7: Patient Experience of General Practice; Weight Loss and Cancer; Testosterone and Fractures
January 26, 2024 13:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MBWelcome back to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we consider the current state of general practice in the UK and what lessons the countries can learn from each other. We examine a new paper in the BJGP on how patients feel about general practice in Scotland since the introduction of the 2018 GP contract. Is it meeting patient and policymaker goals? In other research, we see what lessons a new paper in JAMA on weight loss and cancer association ...
S5 E6: "Signing Scripts For Xmas" song; "Great Expectations - time required to deliver BMJ’s 10minute consultations": interview with Dr Stephen Bradley & Dr Alice Harper
December 20, 2023 10:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBWelcome to the Christmas Hot Topics Podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. It’s time for a bit of light hearted festive fun so if you’ve finished signing all your scripts for Christmas then join us for a discussion with Dr Stephen Bradley and Dr Alice Harper about “Great Expectations: GPs estimations of time required to deliver BMJ’s 10minute consultations”. This new paper explores how long it REALLY takes to do everything that’s recommended in clinical guidance. If you’ve ever felt ...
S5 E6: "Signing Scripts For Xmas" song; "Great Expectations - time required to deliver BMJ’s 10 minute consultations": interview with Dr Stephen Bradley & Dr Alice Harper
December 20, 2023 10:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBWelcome to the Christmas Hot Topics Podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. It’s time for a bit of light-hearted festive fun so if you’ve finished signing all your scripts for Christmas then join us for a discussion with Dr Stephen Bradley and Dr Alice Harper about “Great Expectations: GPs estimations of time required to deliver BMJ’s 10minute consultations”. This new paper explores how long it REALLY takes to do everything that’s recommended in clinical guidance. If you’ve ever felt l...
S5 E5: Interview with Prof Hazel Everitt - amitriptyline for IBS; methotrexate for hand OA; leaflets for LUTs
December 01, 2023 12:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MBWelcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we talk to Prof Hazel Everitt, a GP and lead author of a recent Lancet paper exploring whether amitriptyline is effective for IBS, and where it might fit in to general practice management. We also look at research in the Lancet on treating hand osteoarthritis with methotrexate - what's the rationale and does it work? - plus a BMJ paper on using a patient information leaflet to improve lower urinary tract...
S5 E4: Interview with Prof Miriam Santer on BMJ Spironolactone for acne in GP; physician associates; once-weekly insulin; tirzepatide vs insulin for T2DM
November 10, 2023 14:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBWelcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. The highlight of this episode is our interview with Prof Miriam Santer, lead author of recent research in the BMJ exploring the effectiveness of spironolactone for acne in women. Does it work? Is it a treatment for general practice? And if so, is it safe, what monitoring is required, and where does it fit with current acne pathways? In the news, we think about the current issues around physician associates in general p...
S5 E3: "Three Coats" song; interview with Dr Jessica Watson on BJGP "WHY Test" study; rosuva vs atorvastatin; DNA cancer blood tests
October 20, 2023 12:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MBWelcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode we talk to Dr Jessica Watson, lead author of the Why Test study, published in the BJGP exploring the use of blood tests in general practice and how often they make a difference - positive or negative. In other research we look at a BMJ paper comparing rosuvastatin and atorvastatin for secondary prevention, and in the Lancet, the PATHFINDER study, exploring the role of multi-cancer early detection blood te...
S5 E2: Hot Topics 25th birthday interview with Simon Curtis; semaglutide in heart failure and obesity; nurse-led sleep restriction therapy for insomnia
September 29, 2023 11:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBWelcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr. Neal Tucker. As we celebrate 25 years of NB Medical and the Hot Topics course, in this podcast we chat with co-founder Dr Simon Curtis about the changes in general practice and medical education since its inception, we discuss three of the most influential research papers over the era, and what the future may hold for GPs. In research, we examine two new papers. The first in the NEJM is on semaglutide for patients with heart failur...
S5 E1: GP motivations; morning after pill & NSAIDs; cancer risk with non-erosive GORD
September 15, 2023 12:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBWelcome to Season 5 of the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. Despite celebrating our 25th birthday (don't forget to check out our NB Plus birthday special here) the world of medical news and research never stops. In this episode we look at research in the BJGP about the motivations behind being a GP, whether adding NSAIDs may improve efficacy of emergency contraception, and whether we should be worried about cancer in patients with reflux. www.nbmedical.com Referenc...
S4 E16: "Summertime Blues" song
August 11, 2023 08:00 - 3 minutes - 2.55 MBWelcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. Wondering where the sunshine is? Then this song is for you. Have a good summer everyone and the podcast will be back in September. In the meantime have a look at www.nbmedical.com for our latest courses - we have live webinars for the new Hot Topics course, our new Paediatrics and Child Health course, our updated dermatology course and much more in September. www.nbmedical.com/podcast
S4 E15: Donanemab & Alzheimer's Disease; Diet Against Dementia; Weekend Exercise; Opioids & Acute Back Pain
July 21, 2023 11:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBWelcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. School's out for summer but general practice never stops. This week we look at the medical news story of the week: donanemab for Alzheimer's disease - can this monoclonal antibody revolutionise dementia care? Also in research, prevention is better than a cure, so can a Mediterranean-DASH diet keep cognitive decline at bay? For you weekend warriors out there, is cramming exercise into the weekend as good as exercising t...
S4 E15: Donanemab & Alzheimer's disease; diet against dementia; weekend exercise; opioids & acute back pain
July 21, 2023 11:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBWelcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. School's out for summer but general practice never stops. This week we look at the medical news story of the week: donanemab for Alzheimer's disease - can this monoclonal antibody revolutionise dementia care? Also in research, prevention is better than a cure, so can a Mediterranean-DASH diet keep cognitive decline at bay? For you weekend warriors out there, is cramming exercise in to the weekend as good as exercising ...
S4 E14: The Stethoscope Song; HRT & Dementia, HF Monitoring, New Obesity Meds
June 30, 2023 12:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBWelcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. NHS Long Term Workforce Plan is all over the news today. In this episode we have a look at some of the key statements, seeing what is positive for general practice, what is wishful thinking, and what could be even worse. In research we look at new observational data from Denmark, published in the BMJ, finding an association between HRT and dementia; also a study examining the effectiveness of an intra-pulmonary artery d...
S4 E13: JOMT: CVD with Dr Jim Moore; Methotrexate Monitoring, Opioid Withdrawal Strategies
June 09, 2023 08:00 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MBWelcome to a new Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In Just One More Thing we are joined by Dr. Jim Moore, chair of the Primary Care Cardiovascular Society, where we discuss cholesterol lowering therapies, new ways to treat heart failure, and how we may meet government targets for blood pressure control - can and should it all be done in general practice? In news, is it good news as GPs are primed to solve the obesity crisis with semaglutide? And in research we look at ...
S4 E12: "GP Access Song"; JOMT Interview with Dr Matt Doyle on Allergy; Predictors of Post-covid fatigue; Peanut allergy patch
May 12, 2023 14:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MBWelcome back to the Hot Topics podcast. In this episode we reflect on the Prime Ministers Primary Care Recovery Plan, then move on to more useful things like research. We have new papers in the BJGP on who may be more likely to develop fatigue after mild covid and the NEJM on using a peanut patch to desensitive toddlers at risk of anaphylaxis. We also have the next in our series of Just One More Thing - this time we chat about allergy with Dr Matt Doyle, GP and chair of the primary care ...
S4 E11: Inflammation vs Cholesterol and CVD; Bempedoic Acid; Coffee & Tea for T2DM
April 20, 2023 23:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MBWelcome to another Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. With general practice becoming an increasingly popular political battleground, we focus on the latest research. In this edition, we look at whether bempedoic acid actually reduces cardiovascular events and death as well as reducing cholesterol. Ever wondered which is more important in causing CVD: inflammation or cholesterol? A new paper in the Lancet examines this in patients already taking statins. We also explore...
S4 E10: "The Grass Ain't Always Greener" Song; Removing QOF, Caffeine & Acute Cardiac Issues; New Menopause Drugs
March 31, 2023 13:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MBWelcome to the latest Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we have the latest news including how the public view the NHS and what's happening to the GP contract for English practice. In research, we have a fascinating paper in the BMJ exploring what differences have emerged in recorded outcomes between England and Scotland since the latter abolished QOF, an answer on whether coffee is bad for you (or at least your heart in the short term), and a new cla...
S4 E9: "Do The Maths" song; JOMT interview - Dr Sam Merriel talks about prostate cancer; also antibiotic resistance, nitrofurantoin failure, kidney stones
March 10, 2023 12:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MBWelcome to the Hot Topics Podcast with host, Dr Neal Tucker. In this bumper edition, we have the next in our Just One More Thing series. We interview Dr Sam Merriel in collaboration with Prostate Cancer UK, talking about what we need to know in the world of prostate cancer. Should we be screening? Do we need to think beyond PSA? Does new technology change our approach? In the news, we look at the latest RCGP data on workload and whether GPs will strike, while in research we have a BJGP pa...
S4 E8: JOMT Interview with PCRS chair, Dr Katherine Hickman; pushing bad pills, eye drops for myopia, CVD risk prediction in cancer survivors
February 17, 2023 11:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBWelcome to the Hot Topics podcast with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we speak to Dr Katherine Hickman, current chair of the Primary Care Respiratory Society, who answers our three Just One More Thing questions on what we need to know about from primary, secondary and future care with asthma. In new research, we discuss a paper on how pharmaceutical companies spend more money promoting less effective drugs, how atropine eye drops in children can delay myopia, and whether cancer risk pre...
S4 E7: NHS in crisis, still... Molnupiravir for acute covid, healthy lifestyle for dementia, patient perspective on FIT
January 27, 2023 11:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBWelcome to another HOT TOPICS podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In the podcast cast we reflect on the latest commentaries from the political parties and medical organisations on how they can help with the NHS crisis. We can’t promise a solution, but we can help you stay up to date with the world of research. This week we have new research in the Lancet examining whether molnupiravir actually helps acute covid, whether dementia can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle even i...
S4 E6: The GP Wonderland Song
December 23, 2022 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.2 MBWelcome to the latest NB Hot Topics podcast. It’s Christmas and no one needs anything too serious. Enjoy the song. Happy holidays everyone! See you in 2023. Neal www.nbmedical.com/podcast
S4 E5: Thinking distal DVTs; High dosage in Heart Failure; Just One More Thing... Rachel Ainley discusses IBD
December 02, 2022 14:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MBWelcome to a new episode of the Hot Topics Podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this podcast, we look at new research in the BMJ on optimal duration to treatment distal DVTs (wait... do we even check for these...?), and the Lancet examines the benefits of high-dose chronic heart failure therapies after acute decompensation. In Just One More Thing... this episode we are joined by Dr Rachel Ainley, head of research and evidence at Crohn's & Colitis UK to find out what's new in In...
S4 E4: Continuity; maternal mortality; Just One More Thing: Sarah Davies discusses diabetes
November 18, 2022 11:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBWelcome to the new Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. We're dealing with heavy topics today - the Autumn Statement, how losing continuity is detrimental to patient care, maternal mortality in the UK - but we've tried to keep it light in other ways including our new segment: Just One More Thing In Just One More Thing we interview primary care experts across a range of specialties asking 3 questions: what one thing do we need to know about in general practice regarding ...
S4 E3: Pension Song #1; BP meds at night?; CVD screening; "Future of General Practice" report; patient record access
October 21, 2022 11:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBWelcome to a new NB Hot Topics Podcast with Dr Neal Tucker. Amongst all the political turmoil, healthcare must go on. In this episode, we look at: The new government report (someone's still working, for better or for worse) on the Future of General Practice The implications practices need to be aware of for Patient Record Access starting 1st November New research on the best time to take BP meds and whether cardiovascular screening using CTs & more is helpful. References: Future of G...
S4 E2: Gestational Diabetes, CVD risk & modifiable factors; roflumilast for psoriasis; bronchodilators for non-COPD smoking symptoms
September 30, 2022 10:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MBWelcome to the new Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. After a whirlwind week where general practice has been populistically politicised on all sides, in this episode we stay on safer ground and look at new research. The BMJ highlights the future risk of cardio- and cerebrovascular disease after gestational diabetes, even without overt diabetes, but offers some good news regarding the optimisation of risk factors. JAMA introduces roflumilast for chronic psoriasis, as a...
S4 E1: Supplements + sweeteners aren't good for your health, autoimmune disease & CVD risk, statin & muscle pain, open source diabetes
September 09, 2022 11:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBWelcome back to the new series of the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. A sober start with the death of the Queen yesterday and reflecting on the pressures of general practice and the profoundly sad story of Gail Milligan. But the progress of medicine never stops and there is research to discuss: Papers in the BMJ on whether artificial sweeteners cause harm, and whether supplementing vitamin D really does reduce respiratory and covid infection risk. A Lancet paper ...
S4 E1: Supplements + sweeteners aren't good for your health, autoimmune disease & CVD risk, statin & muscle pain, open source diabetes
September 09, 2022 11:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBWelcome back to the new series of the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. A sober start with the death of the Queen yesterday and reflecting on the pressures of general practice and the profoundly sad story of Gail Milligan. But the progress of medicine never stops and there is research to discuss: Papers in the BMJ on whether artificial sweeteners cause harm, and whether supplementing vitamin D really does reduce respiratory and covid infection risk. A Lancet paper ...
S3 E15: Gout and CV events; early identification of colorectal cancer; barriers to shared decision making in multimorbidity
August 03, 2022 12:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBWelcome to a new Hot Topics Podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. It's the summer holidays! We hope a little pressure is off at your practices and you might even get a break yourself. In this podcast, we discuss the latest news including whether GPs simply aren't working hard enough and debate a £10 charge for DNAs. In research, we look at new data from JAMA suggesting patients are at increased risk of MI shortly after a flare of gout, a fantastic paper in the BJGP presenting dat...
S3 E14: The "Sorry, I'm Not Sorry" Song; bye bye Boris; prescribing for anxiety, bariatric surgery to reduce cancer, RSV vaccine
July 08, 2022 13:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBWelcome to another Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker leading you through the latest news and research in general practice. Of course, we must touch on the demise of Boris Johnson and how he might still be in power if he'd just learned a thing or two from general practice. Meanwhile, in research, we look at prescribing trends in anxiety disorders, whether bariatric surgery can reduce cancer risk in overweight people, and two papers on covid vaccination against Omicron,...
S3 E13 - "Plans for change", Panorama and Partnership; NICE Traffic Lights, internet based CBT for trauma; opioids post-surgery
June 17, 2022 11:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBIn 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 [email protected]. Meanwhile, there is some research!...
S3 E12 - Monkeypox song; more about monkey pox; keeping the frail mobile; preventative medicine - what is it good for?; treating mild hypertension in pregnancy - right or wrong?
May 25, 2022 21:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBWelcome 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 a 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...
S3 E12 - Monkeypox song; more about monkeypox; keeping the frail mobile; preventative medicine - what is it good for?; treating mild hypertension in pregnancy - right or wrong?
May 25, 2022 21:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBWelcome 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 wh...
S3 E11 - Self-monitoring BP in pregnancy, ezetimibe or PCSK9 inhibitors for CVD risk & a treatment for alopecia! Plus interview with Aarti Bansal & Veena Aggarwal on Improving Asthma Care & Sustainability in the NHS
May 06, 2022 11:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBIn 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...
S3 E10 - How racism influences guidelines: interview with Dr Dipesh Gopal; does a 4th covid vax work? acute covid complication risk, breast pain & cancer, UTI & Abx, iron supplements
April 08, 2022 10:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBWelcome 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 co...
S3 E9 - The RCGP Membership Fee Song; Working weekends; Covid in hamsters; The Triple F*** Syndrome; Child mental health; Recurrent UTIs
March 18, 2022 08:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBIn 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? Lancet The Triple F*** Syndrome - a different way to think about personality disorder? BJGP What do young peo...
S3 E8: The end of covid; accuracy of lateral flow tests; new DVT algorithm; remember Zika?
February 25, 2022 09:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBIn 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...
S3 E7 - Covid blues song; racism, nationalisation, incentivisation; new covid drugs; does continuity help?
February 04, 2022 11:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MBAfter 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 effective...
S3 E6 - Stating the obvious, treatment time after VTE and CVA; best meds for obesity
January 14, 2022 12:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MBHappy 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 hav...
S3 E5 - The Omicron song, vaccine clinics and what we've achieved this year
December 16, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MBWelcome 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. Me...
S3 E4: The RTI surge song, NICE depression or not, Long Covid guidance, balloon bariatric surgery
November 26, 2021 14:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBWelcome 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. References RCGP Week...
S3 E3 - Rescuing ourselves with a shared vision; funding GP & multimorbidity; empagliflozin for HFpEF; AF - to screen or not to screen
October 22, 2021 13:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBIn 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...
S3 E2 - The press, corporations & conspiracies; ondansetron for kids with gastro; PHQ9, what is it good for?
October 07, 2021 11:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBIn 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. References BMJ Air pollution BJGP Ondansetron in children with gastro BMJ PHQ 9 accuracy www.nbmedical.com/podcast
S3 E1 - Heath secretaries, COVID boosters, Quadpill for BP & Cannabis for pain
September 17, 2021 12:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MBWelcome, 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 issu...
S2 E16 - Blood bottle crisis; community covid treatments; rotator cuff injury; FIT testing for cancer
August 11, 2021 17:00 - 16 minutes - 11 MBIn 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 l...
S2 E15 - Self-isolation, Freedom and GP; Drug Optimisation for the Multimorbid; Antispasmodics for Low Back Pain
July 16, 2021 14:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBIn 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 t...
S2 E14 - Crisis of identity in GP; implantable arrythmia monitors for AF; wearable glucose monitors for diabetes
June 16, 2021 14:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBIn 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 Lawson BJGP Editorial from Clare Ge...