Episodios

  • Digital Developments in Primary Care
    Nov 5 2025
    Doctors Sara and Lisa speak to Dr Chris Nortcliff who is a GP and Chief Clinical Information Officer for Greater Manchester Primary Care Provider Board. The discussion is focussed around all things digital in primary care. We start with an overview of how the digital environment is set up within Greater Manchester. We then spend some time talking about digital inclusion - covering how to find people, how to help upskill them to be more digitally literate, and how to support better access to digital services. We also explore what is available in the digital space to help in primary care, and touch on AI and large language models. You can use these podcasts as part of your CPD - we don’t do certificates but they still count :) Resources: Greater Manchester Care Record: https://gmwearebettertogether.com/ Health Innovation Manchester: https://healthinnovationmanchester.com/ Greater Manchester Digital First Primary Care: https://healthinnovationmanchester.com/our-work/gm-digital-first-primary-care/ Digital Skills Map: https://greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/digital/get-online-greater-manchester/greater-manchester-wide-support/get-online-greater-manchester-digital-skills-map/ National Databank: https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/our-services/national-databank The Good Things Foundation: https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/ NHS App: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/ Digital Facilitator Team: https://gmpcb.org.uk/general-practice/digital-transformation/dfpc-programme-explained/meet-the-team/ Greater Manchester Primary Care Provider Board Website: https://gmpcb.org.uk/general-practice/digital-transformation/ Clinical safety standards - DCB 0129: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/information-standards/governance/latest-activity/standards-and-collections/dcb0129-clinical-risk-management-its-application-in-the-manufacture-of-health-it-systems/ Clinical safety standards - DCB0160: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/information-standards/governance/latest-activity/standards-and-collections/dcb0160-clinical-risk-management-its-application-in-the-deployment-and-use-of-health-it-systems/ Digital Inclusion Framework by NHS England: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/inclusive-digital-healthcare-a-framework-for-nhs-action-on-digital-inclusion/ Digital Inclusion Heat Map: https://www.thrivebydesign.org.uk/digital-exclusion-heatmap ___ We really want to make these episodes relevant and helpful: if you have any questions or want any particular areas covered then contact us on Twitter @PCKBpodcast, or leave a comment on our quick anonymous survey here: https://pckb.org/feedback Email us at: primarycarepodcasts@gmail.com ___ This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board. Given that it is recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen. Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk. The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.
    Más Menos
    45 m
  • Assisted Conception - Managing Subfertility in General Practice
    Oct 8 2025
    Doctors Lisa and Sara are joined by Dr Cheryl Fitzgerald who is a retired gynaecologist with an extensive background in subfertility. Using a hypothetical case we discuss the definition of subfertility, important components of a history with this presenting complaint, and comorbidities to be aware of. We talk about who should be referred to secondary care, and what patients can expect from that referral. We also think about useful investigations in primary care before referral. You can use these podcasts as part of your CPD - we don’t do certificates but they still count :)

    Resources:

    • Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA): https://www.hfea.gov.uk/
    • NICE Fertility problems: assessment and treatment: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg156
    • Green Top Guidelines: https://www.rcog.org.uk/guidance/browse-all-guidance/green-top-guidelines/
    • RCGP Infertility: https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/mod/book/view.php?id=12534&chapterid=82

    ___

    We really want to make these episodes relevant and helpful: if you have any questions or want any particular areas covered then contact us on Twitter @PCKBpodcast, or leave a comment on our quick anonymous survey here: https://pckb.org/feedback

    Email us at: primarycarepodcasts@gmail.com

    ___

    This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board. Given that it is recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions.

    The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

    Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

    The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.

    Más Menos
    45 m
  • Where do your Microbiology Specimens go?
    Sep 10 2025
    Doctors Lisa and Sara are joined by Medical microbiology and Infectious Diseases Consultant Dr Callum Mutch to follow the journey of a urine sample and a throat swab as they are processed. We discuss the important points to get right in the pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical stages of their journeys. Some fascinating insights (including how the clinical details can affect what is tested for) that have changed our practice for the better. You can use these podcasts as part of your CPD - we don’t do certificates but they still count :)

    Resources:

    • Podcast: Infectious Diseases Insight of Two Specialists (ID:IOTS): https://www.britishinfection.org/education-events/idiots-podcast

    • UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations, The Royal College of Pathologists: https://www.rcpath.org/profession/publications/standards-for-microbiology-investigations.html

    ___

    We really want to make these episodes relevant and helpful: if you have any questions or want any particular areas covered then contact us on Twitter @PCKBpodcast, or leave a comment on our quick anonymous survey here: https://pckb.org/feedback

    Email us at: primarycarepodcasts@gmail.com

    ___

    This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board. Given that it is recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions.

    The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

    Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

    The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.

    Más Menos
    31 m
  • Introducing Episode 6 of the Contented Clinician Podcast: Presenting balanced information about benefits and harms to patients makes you more contented
    Aug 13 2025

    We’ve got something a little bit different for you today, instead of our summer rewind.

    Some people may remember the wonderful episode about dealing with Uncertainty we did way back in 2020 with GP, Primary Care Educator and Author Dr Avril Danczak. It was such an important episode in our careers and I know helped many others.

    We wanted to share the news that Avril is doing brilliant podcasting work with the ever pragmatic Professor James McCormack. Their podcast Contented clinician, people may have already found, but we thought it would be useful to post one here to signpost listeners to their good work.

    Welcome to Episode 6 of The Contented Clinician Podcast! Dr Avril Danczak and Professor James McCormack created The Contented Clinician Podcast to help clinicians find more joy and satisfaction in your practice by blending a collective of real-world experience, common sense, and the best available evidence. So, if you’re looking to make your clinical practice more fulfilling and sustainable, join us and our inspiring network of clinicians as we explore new perspectives and effective strategies to reshape the way you think about your work.

    The Case:

    Dr. Ashville is currently training to become a family physician. One day, they receive a phone call from a frustrated patient named Jane Brown.

    Jane had received a message stating: “As your cardiovascular risk is now 10%, it is recommended you take a statin medication.” She is upset because no one had a proper conversation with her about starting a new prescription.

    Her main concern is: “How likely am I to actually benefit from this treatment? Is it really worth it?”

    Dr. Ashville realizes they had simply been following a protocol and isn't entirely sure how to answer Jane's question. Wanting to better understand how to provide more balanced information, Dr. Ashville decides to discuss the issue with the clinician supervising their medical education.

    Resources:

    • GP Evidence: https://gpevidence.org/

    • James McCormack: Doing statistics can be difficult but understanding them can be fairly simple: https://www.sensible-med.com/p/doing-statistics-can-be-difficult

    ___

    We really want to make these episodes relevant and helpful: if you have any questions or want any particular areas covered then contact us on Twitter @PCKBpodcast, or leave a comment on our quick anonymous survey here: https://pckb.org/feedback

    Email us at: primarycarepodcasts@gmail.com

    ___

    This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board. Given that it is recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions.

    The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

    Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

    The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.

    Más Menos
    1 h y 9 m
  • Things you need to know about Microbiology
    Aug 6 2025
    Doctors Lisa and Sara are joined by Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Consultant Dr Callum Mutch for an overview of Antibiotics and Microbiology in General Practice. Doctors Callum and Jame host a podcast in Infectious Diseases called ID:IOTS and we wanted to do a crossover episode exploring common themes in Microbiology that we encounter in General Practice. We talk about the case of a woman with recurrent UTIs and a man with epididymo-orchitis. This lends itself to a discussion on general approaches to cases, microbes and antibiotics. We cover a little bit about antimicrobial stewardship at the end. You can use these podcasts as part of your CPD - we don’t do certificates but they still count :) Resources: Podcast: Infectious Diseases Insight of Two Specialists (ID:IOTS): https://www.britishinfection.org/education-events/idiots-podcast Antimicrobial Counselling Resources from Public Health Wales: https://phw.nhs.wales/services-and-teams/antibiotics-and-infections/harp-news/eaadwaaw-2021/resources/community-pharmacy-counselling-checklist/ Antimicrobial Counselling RCGP TARGET Resources: https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/mod/book/view.php?id=12647 The Cynefin Framework for looking at decisions (Simple, complicated, Complex, Chaos): https://thecynefin.co/about-us/about-cynefin-framework/?srsltid=AfmBOopHNprchcOsISLVvXm2C5W-UU-oqHDkty_jo1IAAsupfoMu4_Cx Shared Decision Making Tool BRAN - Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Nothing: https://www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/shared-decision-making/decision-support-tools/how-to-use-a-decision-support-tool/#:~:text=Prepare%20patients%20to%20share%20decisions&text=In%20addition%20to%20the%20proactive,Nothing)%20or%20equivalent%20local%20initiatives World Health Organisation AWaRe Book: Access, Watch, Reserve Antimicrobial Book (can aid in decision making around which antibiotics to use. Accessed May 2025): https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-MHP-HPS-EML-2022.02 UK Health Security Agency Adaptation of the Access, Watch, Reserve (AWaRe) Guidelines: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-aware-antibiotic-classification/uk-access-watch-reserve-and-other-classification-for-antibiotics-uk-aware-antibiotic-classification ___ We really want to make these episodes relevant and helpful: if you have any questions or want any particular areas covered then contact us on Twitter @PCKBpodcast, or leave a comment on our quick anonymous survey here: https://pckb.org/feedback Email us at: primarycarepodcasts@gmail.com ___ This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board. Given that it is recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen. Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk. The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.
    Más Menos
    57 m
  • Asthma Guidelines: What's new?
    Jul 9 2025
    Doctors Lisa and Sara take a deep dive into the recent combined asthma guidelines with Dr Murugesan Raja who is a GP and clinical lead for respiratory medicine for NHS Greater Manchester Strategic Clinical Network. We go through the new asthma recommendations for the different age groups, starting with a reminder of what symptoms make up a typical asthma history, moving on to the new pathway of investigations, and ending with a chat about management covering AIR and MART. We also touch on green prescribing, steroid cards and other important areas of management such as adherence and inhaler technique. You can use these podcasts as part of your CPD - we don’t do certificates but they still count :)

    Resources:

    • Joint asthma guideline: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng244

    • GMMMG asthma guidelines: https://gmmmg.nhs.uk/guidance/clinical-guidance-and-pathways/gm-asthma-guideline-2024-for-web/

    • Asthma and Lung UK: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/

    • Right Breathe: https://www.rightbreathe.com/

    • Asthma and Lung UK explainer videos: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/inhaler-videos

    ___

    We really want to make these episodes relevant and helpful: if you have any questions or want any particular areas covered then contact us on Twitter @PCKBpodcast, or leave a comment on our quick anonymous survey here: https://pckb.org/feedback

    Email us at: primarycarepodcasts@gmail.com

    ___

    This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board. Given that it is recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions.

    The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

    Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

    The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.

    Más Menos
    52 m
  • Nasal Obstruction in Children
    Jun 11 2025
    Episode four of four on Paediatric ENT. Doctors Lisa and Sara are back with Paediatric Ear Nose and Throat Consultant Dr Simone Schaefer for this episode on nasal obstruction in children. We use examples of typical cases to discuss an approach to assessing these patients, discussing who ENT might want to see urgently, and differentials for these presentations. We discuss options for management in Primary Care and what ENT can do. You can use these podcasts as part of your CPD - we don’t do certificates but they still count :)

    Resources:

    • Efficacy and Safety of Nasal Steroids reference: Li Y, Xiong J, Zhang Z, Liao K, Zho X, Li J, Xiang J, Xu L. Efficacy and safety of various corticosteroids in the treatment of children with allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Evid Based Med. 2024 Sep;17(3):626-642: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39313999/
    • Safety of Intranasal Steroids link: McDonnell J, Weller K, Pien LC. Safety of Intranasal Steroids: an Updated Perspective. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2020 Sep 7;20(11):69. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32893309/
    • ENT UK Paediatric Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in Children and Adolescents (accessed May 2025): https://www.entuk.org/_userfiles/pages/files/guidelines/global%20ent%20guidelines/global_health_guidelines_pediatric_snoring_obstructive_sleep_apnoea.pdf
    • ENT UK Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Children: https://www.entuk.org/patients/conditions/64/chronic_rhinosinusitis_in_children/
    • NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries Allergic Rhinitis (Jan 2024): https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/allergic-rhinitis/

    ___

    We really want to make these episodes relevant and helpful: if you have any questions or want any particular areas covered then contact us on Twitter @PCKBpodcast, or leave a comment on our quick anonymous survey here: https://pckb.org/feedback

    Email us at: primarycarepodcasts@gmail.com

    ___

    This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board. Given that it is recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions.

    The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

    Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

    The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.

    Más Menos
    21 m
  • Recurrent Epistaxis in Children
    May 21 2025
    Episode three of four on Paediatric ENT. Doctors Lisa and Sara are back with Paediatric Ear Nose and Throat Consultant Dr Simone Schaefer for this episode on Recurrent Epistaxis in Children. We discuss important differentials, including a rare condition that can present in predominantly teenage boys not to be missed, before moving on to discuss options for management and why the vast majority of these patients can often be safely managed in the community. We discuss cases that would be useful to be seen by the ENT team. Short and sweet, full of useful resources. You can use these podcasts as part of your CPD - we don’t do certificates but they still count :)

    Resources:

    • Success Rates of Naseptin (Chlorhexidine dihydrochloride and neomycin sulfate) in reducing Epistaxis: Garry S, Wauchope J, Hintze J, Ryan E, O'Cathain E, Heffernan C. Factors affecting Naseptin treatment success – A prospective cohort study. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. Volume 171. 2023: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165587623001878#:~:text=80.8%25%20(n%20%3D%20101),effects%20(skin%20irritation%20etc.)
    • ENT UK: How to use a Nasal Spray: https://www.entuk.org/patients/conditions/79/how_to_use_nasal_sprays/
    • Asthma and Lung UK, How to use a Nasal Spray useful Video for patients: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S31maomo1xQ
    • Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Patient leaflet: Nosebleeds: https://www.alderhey.nhs.uk/conditions/symptoms-checker/nosebleeds/

    ___

    We really want to make these episodes relevant and helpful: if you have any questions or want any particular areas covered then contact us on Twitter @PCKBpodcast, or leave a comment on our quick anonymous survey here: https://pckb.org/feedback

    Email us at: primarycarepodcasts@gmail.com

    ___

    This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board. Given that it is recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions.

    The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

    Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

    The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.

    Más Menos
    17 m