Healthed Webcast

Topics & Presenters

Practical Guide to Using COVID Antivirals in Primary Care – Dr Alex Padiglione

The COVID antivirals are an important part of our response to the pandemic and so it is essential that we, in primary care make maximum use of them for all suitable patients. The use of antivirals in the early stages of infection have been shown to improve outcomes in people with advanced age or significant comorbidities. First line therapy for outpatients is nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, however care is required because of significant drug-drug interactions, and in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. This has led a lot of GPs to take the risk-averse option, Molnupravir which has fewer contraindications but for which the data suggests, is probably less effective. This lecture will explain clearly how to navigate the interaction issue so that GPs can be more confident about using nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. It will also help GPs to decide which option is best for the patients, when to use, and how to minimize the risks and maximise the clinical benefits.

IUDs – Your Questions Answered – Dr Terri Foran & Prof Deborah Bateson

Ask the experts: your questions on IUDs answered

Increasingly IUDs are being seen as a suitable, effective contraceptive option for a broader range of women. And also increasingly, women will be looking to their GP to have all the answers to questions about these devices, be it prior to insertion or once the device is in situ. In this session, we effectively handball those common and not-so-common GP questions to two experts in the field - Dr Terri Foran and Professor Deborah Bateson. From eligibility and side-effects to accessing services, these two contraception specialists will give practical advice and real-world experience that is so valuable in supporting coal face GPs.

Cardiac Failure – New Management Advice – Prof Andrew Sindone

New options are becoming available to treat the increasingly common condition - cardiac failure. In this presentation, cardiologist Professor Andrew Sindone will bring clinicians up-to-date on the latest, evidence-based recommendations for the assessment, investigation and treatment of cardiac failure and how these advances are improving health outcomes for patients with this condition.

Meningococcal Conversation Strategies – A/Prof Peter Richmond

Tips on talking about meningococcal vaccines with patients - the facts, the funding and the future

Meningococcal meningitis is a devastating disease but fortunately, vaccination dramatically reduces the risk. And while some meningococcal vaccines are freely available to certain at-risk groups, others need to be paid for by the patient which can be a barrier. For the treating GP, the challenge is to provide patients with the appropriate information and education so they can make a realistic assessment of the cost-benefit equation. This includes making people aware that unfunded does not mean unimportant. A/Prof Richmond will provide practical advice on these important conversations to ensure the best possible outcome.