In this episode of The Good GP, hosts Dr Tim Koh and Dr Sean Stevens speak with Geoffrey Sayer, CEO of Medtech, at the Digital Health Festival 2024. Geoffrey introduces Medtech, an electronic health record system designed to service practices in Australia and New Zealand, providing a comprehensive patient practice management system (PMS).

Beginning with an overview of Medtech's capabilities and its market presence. Geoffrey highlights the importance of having a flexible and future-proof PMS that allows for customization and integration with other software applications adaptable to the diverse needs of general practices.

Geoffrey explains the concept of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and their role in enabling third-party software to interact with Medtech's system. He introduces Medtech’s Application Layer Exchange (ALEX®), a sandbox environment where developers can create and test new applications that integrate with their PMS. This fosters an ecosystem of innovation, allowing practices to customise their systems to meet specific requirements.

Dr Sean Stevens queries about the potential of an app store for PMS, to which Geoffrey acknowledges the growing trend but emphasises the need for standardised APIs to ensure cross-vendor compatibility. They then explore the technical feasibility for GPs to develop or commission customised applications, enhancing their practice management experience.

Geoffrey predicts a hybrid model of PMS combining local servers with cloud-based services, advancements in inbox management, and an increase in AI-assisted functions. He acknowledges the appetite amongst GPs for more innovative, flexible solutions and the role that smarter data integration, particularly with wearable devices, will play in the future.

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Proudly supported by Medtech Global:

The Good GP Podcast is sponsored by Medtech Global, they help GPs be GPs by working with clinicians in Australia and New Zealand to develop Patient Management Systems and healthcare technology. Visit the link for more information:

Medtech Global

In this episode, host Dr Catherine Bourke is joined by Dr Gill Cowen, a multi-talented expert with roles including a senior lectureship at Curtin Medical School and a clinical research fellow at the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, to discuss advancements in concussion management.

Defining concussion and elaborating on the latest Australian Sports Commission concussion guidelines released in February 2024. They covered various aspects of concussion, including preventive measures in sports, the importance of strict adherence to game rules, and the role of mouthguards and helmets. Dr Cowen clarifies that loss of consciousness is not required for a concussion diagnosis and outlines the serious conditions that GPs must not overlook.

Gaining insights into available diagnostic tools such as the post-concussion symptom score, SCAT 6, and the Vestibular Ocular Motor Screening Tool (VOMS). Dr Cowen also updates on current recommendations for post-concussion management, moving away from complete rest and instead advocating for relative rest and limited screen time in the initial 48 hours. They also discussed return-to-play protocols, particularly the revised 14-day symptom-free period before re-engaging in contact sports and a minimum 21-day interval for returning to play.

They emphasise a conservative approach to repeated concussions within a season and acknowledge ongoing research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and its association with repetitive head trauma. Dr Cowen highlights that, in the current absence of predictive tools, a cautious management approach should be employed.

References:

• Concussion guidelines: https://www.connectivity.org.au/clinical-guidance/health-guidelines/
• Concussion Fact Sheets: https://www.connectivity.org.au/guidance-for-clinicians/fact-sheets/
• Free short concussion courses: https://www.connectivity.org.au/courses/
• State Head Injury Unit Concussion Program: https://www.nmhs.health.wa.gov.au/Hospitals-and-Services/Public-Health/Head-Injury/Concussion
• mTBI Healthpathway: https://wa.communityhealthpathways.org/246668.htm
• Vestibular oculomotor screening (VOMS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJF6kJcFGqE
• Sport-related concussion: https://sma.org.au/resources/concussion/

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Proudly supported by Medtech Global:

The Good GP Podcast is sponsored by Medtech Global, they help GPs be GPs by working with clinicians in Australia and New Zealand to develop Patient Management Systems and healthcare technology. Visit the link for more information:

Medtech Global

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Anna Mullins welcomes back Dr Chris Conyard, an upper limb surgeon based in Brisbane, to discuss elbow tendinopathies. He shares his expertise on the natural history of elbow tendinopathies, their examination, and effective management strategies.

They begin with an overview of elbow tendinopathies, including their prevalence, clinical presentation, and challenges associated with treatment. Dr Conyard highlights the importance of rest and specific eccentric loading exercises in rehabilitation and explains the typical clinical course.

Delving into the physical examination of the elbow, touching on specific tests such as Cozen's test to diagnose tennis elbow and techniques for identifying golfer's elbow. They discuss the relevance of imaging in diagnosis, specifically when it should be considered, particularly in cases of suspected arthritis or when initial management fails.

Dr Conyard also provides valuable insights into non-operative management, including the use of topical NSAIDs, physiotherapy, and braces. He advises caution against steroid injections and suggests PRP injections as a potential second-line treatment. Concluding with advice on when to refer patients to specialists and the utility of specific imaging and nerve conduction studies.

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Proudly supported by Medtech Global:

The Good GP Podcast is sponsored by Medtech Global, they help GPs be GPs by working with clinicians in Australia and New Zealand to develop Patient Management Systems and healthcare technology. Visit the link for more information:

Medtech Global