Expert Primary Care Insights: The 10-Minute GP Podcast.
with Dr Roger Henderson
Join Dr. Roger Henderson, a seasoned NHS GP with 40 years of experience, for your quick daily briefing on prevalent health conditions, diagnostic tips, and practical GP advice – all in convenient 10-minute episodes.
All Episodes: Your 10-Minute GP Clinic Podcast Library
Get your Weekly dose of primary care expertise in just 10 minutes.
Dr Roger Henderson, NHS GP of 40 years, delivers concise insights on common health issues, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
February 21st
Insomnia
- Welcome to our podcast exploring insomnia, a common '24-hour disorder' characterised by unsatisfactory sleep, whether it's difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early, impacting daytime well-being.
- It's important to understand that 'normal' sleep varies greatly with age and between individuals, and insomnia is a widespread issue, affecting around a third of the UK population, with women being more susceptible.
- For those struggling with insomnia, we'll emphasise the importance of identifying potential underlying causes through careful history-taking, sleep diaries, and considering medical tests or sleep studies when necessary, while highlighting that sleep hygiene advice is often the crucial first step.
- We'll discuss treatment approaches, stressing that intervention is most appropriate when insomnia causes significant distress or impairment, with a focus on the cautious and short-term use of hypnotics and the potential role of prolonged-release melatonin in older adults with persistent insomnia.
February 9th
Bed Wetting
- Bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, is a common involuntary wetting during sleep, considered normal in young children but affecting a significant percentage up to adolescence and even adulthood.
- Beyond the physical aspect, bedwetting can lead to social isolation, bullying, and low self-esteem, underscoring the importance of addressing it.
- Several factors can contribute to persistent bedwetting, including family history, constipation, obesity, behavioral disorders, and stressful life events.
- Effective management strategies exist, ranging from education and behavioral techniques to alarm therapy and, in some cases, medication like desmopressin, with complementary therapies showing little evidence of benefit.
January 23rd
Emollient use in Dry Skin conditions
- Adopt Complete Emollient Therapy as the cornerstone of managing dry skin. This means advising patients that emollients should be used for all aspects of skin care, including washing and moisturising, every day
- Actively involve patients in choosing their emollients and provide thorough education on how to use them, including application techniques, frequency, and quantities.
- Prescribe emollients in generous amounts to ensure patients have enough for consistent use. Remember to prescribe different formulations (e.g., ointment and cream) to suit different times of day and patient preference, and always avoid prescribing aqueous cream.
- Understand and explain to patients that emollients work by repairing and maintaining the skin barrier. This constant repair is essential for managing dry skin and preventing flares in chronic inflammatory skin conditions.
January 3rd
Smoking Cessation
- Dr. Henderson emphasizes the power of brief interventions. Don't feel you need a long consultation. Even a short, opportunistic conversation about smoking cessation can be impactful.
- Pharmacological aids like Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and Varenicline are highly effective and often underutilized. Dr. Henderson stresses their importance in increasing quit rates.
- While brief interventions and pharmacological support are key in primary care, some patients will require more intensive support. Dr. Henderson highlights the value of specialist stop smoking services
- Smoking cessation is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Understanding a patient's individual motivations and barriers is crucial for effective advice.
December 12th
Sick Child Assesment
- While common childhood illnesses are frequent, complacency is dangerous. Dr. Henderson stresses the importance of a systematic approach to assessing sick children, not just rushing through. This includes a good history and focused examination.
- Dr. Henderson highlights specific "red flag" symptoms that are crucial to identify and assess in sick children. These are strong indicators of potentially serious illness.
- Parents are often anxious when their child is sick. Reassurance is important, but must be balanced with clear and robust safety netting advice. Dismissing concerns is risky.
- While temperature is a useful vital sign, it's not the only or most important indicator of serious illness in children. Focusing solely on temperature can be misleading.
December 2nd
Contraception
- Dr. Henderson emphasizes the importance of proactively raising the topic of contraception with patients. Don't assume patients will always bring it up themselves.
- Patients have diverse needs and preferences. It's crucial for GPs to be knowledgeable about the wide range of contraceptive methods available, not just the most common ones.
- Many patients have misconceptions or anxieties about contraception, often based on misinformation or outdated beliefs. Addressing these concerns directly is vital for informed decision-making.
- Contraception advice for young people requires extra sensitivity and awareness of safeguarding principles. Confidentiality is paramount to encourage open communication and access to care.
November 21st
Erectile Dysfunction
- Erectile Dysfunction is a common problem, but often under-reported due to patient embarrassment and reluctance to initiate the conversation. Dr. Henderson stresses the importance of GPs being proactive in asking about sexual function.
- ED can be an early warning sign of underlying cardiovascular disease. Dr. Henderson emphasizes that it's not just a sexual health issue, but potentially a marker for broader health risks.
- Management of ED is multi-faceted. Dr. Henderson highlights that there are various options beyond just medication, and treatment should be tailored to the individual.
- ED has a significant psychological impact on men, affecting self-esteem, confidence, and relationships. Dr. Henderson underscores the importance of addressing this emotional aspect.
November 12th
Low Back Pain
- Dr. Henderson emphasizes the importance of reassuring patients that most acute low back pain is not serious and will improve naturally within a few weeks. Over-medicalizing can be detrimental.
- Prolonged bed rest is harmful and outdated advice for low back pain. Dr. Henderson highlights the benefits of staying active and maintaining function within pain limits.
- Pain relief is important to facilitate activity and function, but strong opioids are generally not recommended for acute low back pain. Dr. Henderson advocates for a stepped approach to analgesia.
- Recommend simple analgesia like paracetamol and NSAIDs as first-line pain relief, used regularly rather than "as needed" initially. Consider short-term use of muscle relaxants if muscle spasm is prominent. Avoid routine prescribing of strong opioids for acute low back pain due to risks and limited benefit.
November 3rd
Hypertension
- Dr. Henderson stresses that inaccurate BP measurement is a major issue leading to misdiagnosis and mismanagement of hypertension. He highlights the importance of correct technique and the value of home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM).
- While medication is often necessary, Dr. Henderson emphasizes that lifestyle modifications are the cornerstone of hypertension management and should always be discussed and encouraged.
- Hypertension management is not one-size-fits-all. Dr. Henderson points out the need to individualize BP targets and medication choices based on patient age, co-existing conditions, and risk factors.
- Hypertension management is an ongoing process, not a one-time intervention. Dr. Henderson stresses the need for regular review and monitoring to ensure BP control and adjust treatment as needed.
October 21st
Weight Management
- Weight management is a sensitive topic, and patients may be reluctant to discuss it. Dr. Henderson emphasizes that GPs need to be proactive in raising the issue and normalizing the conversation around weight.
- Drastic diets and unsustainable lifestyle changes are unlikely to lead to long-term weight management success. He advocates for focusing on small, realistic, and sustainable changes that patients can incorporate into their daily lives.
- Weight management is often a long and challenging process. Dr. Henderson highlights the importance of ongoing support and regular follow-up to provide encouragement, monitor progress, and adjust strategies as needed.
- GPs are busy, and weight management can be complex. Dr. Henderson reminds listeners that there are resources and specialist services available to support patients.
Why Listen to the Podcast?
Quick, practical advice on common primary care challenges?
Tune in to the 10-Minute GP Podcast with Dr. Roger Henderson for expert insights you can apply immediately.
Concise & Time-Efficient
Get expert primary care insights in just 10 minutes – perfect for busy healthcare professionals.
Expert Advice from a Seasoned GP
Learn from Dr. Roger Henderson's 40 years of NHS experience and gain trusted, practical guidance.
Stay Updated on Key Topics
Covering common health issues in primary care – from contraception to weight management – stay informed and confident in your practice.
Practical & Actionable Insights
Gain immediately applicable tips on diagnosis, treatment, red flags, and referral criteria.
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Meet Your Host
Dr Roger Henderson
MBBS; LMSSA
- Dr Roger Henderson, a highly respected GP and media figure, was born in 1960 and raised in Cumbria. He qualified from St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, in 1985 and became a GP in 1990.
- Since entering the media in 1995, Dr. Henderson has been the medical columnist for the Sunday Times and is a prominent health broadcaster. He writes for many national publications, presents for GP Notebook, and co-hosts the popular dermatology podcasts Rash Decisions and Skin Deep.
- He has served as the medical director for LIVA Healthcare and as global content creator for Healthwords.ai. With extensive experience as a senior partner of a large GP practice, Dr. Henderson now works as a sessional GP and is a judge at the national General Practice awards. He continues to deliver clinical education at various health conferences and online platforms globally.
