The NPS MedicineWise podcast series was produced to help health professionals stay up to date with the latest evidence for medicines, tests and treatments.
The view of the hosts and guests on the podcasts are their own and may not represent NPS MedicineWise.
There is no plan to update this content.
Podcast Episodes
| Podcast Title and Audio | Transcript | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 51: Quit smoking. What makes a difference? | Transcript | Smoking is still the leading cause of preventable death. Prioritising the conversations, providing support and using Quitline can make all the difference. | 19-Oct-22 |
| Episode 50: Mental health – building engagement with young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders | Transcript | Dr Caroline West talks to Aboriginal health professionals and Sarah with lived experience about ways to build engagement with young people with mental health issues. | 29-Sep-22 |
| Episode 49: All about the skin: eczema, acne and antibiotics | Transcript | Our skin is one of our most precious organs. Amongst other things, it helps us regulate heat, feel sensations, and ward off infections, as a first line of defence. Many of us, though, will suffer with a skin condition at some stage, like eczema or acne. | 21-Sep-22 |
| Episode 48: Chronic Kidney Disease: A consumer perspective on navigating a new diagnosis | Transcript | Chronic kidney disease is a common, but often silent and highly burdensome disease in our community. | 8-Sep-22 |
| Episode 47: TGA access to unapproved therapeutic goods | Transcript | There are times when a health practitioner and their patient may decide to use a therapeutic product that is not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, the ARTG. How do you use the special access scheme? Or alternatively, how do you become an authorized prescriber? How much time will it take to get the paperwork done? Do you need special training? This episode will explore which pathways can be taken to access these unapproved goods, and all the practical details. | 23-Aug-22 |
| Episode 46: The safe use of opioids in acute pain | Transcript | Opioids have established efficacy in treating acute pain, but they also come with significant risk of harms. A particular concern is the rate at which short term can result in persistent and long term problematic use. | 28-Jul-22 |
| Episode 44: Engaging with young people on their mental health | Transcript | When it comes to young people's mental health, what can GPs do to make a real difference? How do you work together with someone to help them open up when they're depressed and withdrawn? How do you create time for mental health consults? How do you do safety planning and foster strengths and a sense of hope? | 12-Jul-22 |
| Episode 43: Hippocratic Oath and the problem with modern medicine | Transcript | It could be argued that there's an increasing pressure in modern medicine to do more, more tests, more scans, more operating, more prescriptions, but how efficient or effective is this type of healthcare? Are we at danger of over diagnosing and overtreating? Could we, in fact, be doing more harm than good? | 7-Jun-22 |
| Episode 42: Exploring digital interventions for mental health | Transcript | More than 50% of young people will experience some form of mental ill health before the age of 25. | 18-May-22 |
| Episode 41: Burnout and boundary setting | Transcript | Burnout is a global issue for health professional. Not only is the cost high for the health professional with increased risk of depression and suicide, but patients can suffer too. | 20-Apr-22 |
| Episode 40: Mental health and young people: two personal stories | Transcript | The last couple of years with COVID, lockdowns, disruptions to work, education, and socialising haven't made it any easier, particularly for those under 25. | 7-Apr-22 |
| Episode 37: Fostering shared decision-making in primary care | Transcript | When it comes to our own health, getting involved with shared decision making can make a real difference. | 8-Feb-22 |
| Podcast 36: Approaching difficult conversations with patients about opioid use | Transcript | Opioid dependence – how to have those very useful, but sometimes very difficult, conversations with patients. In this episode, NPS MedicineWise medical advisor Dr Caroline West speaks with Dr Richard O’Regan, an addiction medicine consultant with the Royal Perth Bentley Group about opioid addiction and how to have those very useful, but sometimes very difficult, conversations with patients. |
8-Dec-21 |
| Episode 35: Changing the conversation: 5 questions for patients and health professionals | Transcript | In this episode, NPS MedicineWise medical advisor Dr Caroline West interviews Debra Letica and Ricky Spencer. They talk about Choosing Wisely and how the 5 questions are resulting in empowering conversations between health professionals and patients and more appropriate care | 25-Nov-21 |
| Episode 34: Important but not always front of mind – anticholinergic burden | Transcript | In this episode, NPS MedicineWise medical advisor Dr Caroline West talks to our other medical advisor Dr Kate Annear about the cumulative effects of anticholinergic medicines. Not always front of mind, these medicines can cause many problematic side effects and can lead to poor health outcomes including increased risk of falls and cognitive decline. We cover what these medicines are and what can be done. Reviewing people’s multiple medicines and considering deprescribing or finding alternative treatments can reduce ‘anticholinergic burden’. | 10-Nov-21 |
| Episode 32: Champix / Varenicline recall | Transcript | In this episode, NPS MedicineWise educational visitor and pharmacist Kara Joyce interviews NPS MedicineWise medical advisor and GP Dr Anna Samecki to discuss the recent TGA alert around varenicline (marketed as Champix) and the implications for practice. | 31-Aug-21 |
| Episode 31: Medicines safety, health literacy and the National Medicines Policy in a pandemic world | Transcript | In this episode NPS MedicineWise CEO Adj A/Prof Steve Morris is joined by Professor Andrew McLachlan, Head of School and Dean of Pharmacy at the University of Sydney, to discuss how the COVID pandemic has sparked a growing interest among consumers in medicines and treatments. They discuss the vital role health professionals play in communicating harms and benefits with consumers. They also consider why clinicians should take an interest in the upcoming review of the National Medicines Policy, and Steve bids farewell ahead of stepping down as NPS MedicineWise CEO at the end of July. |
19-Jul-21 |
| Episode 30: New survey results shine a light on health literacy in Australia | Transcript | In this episode about health literacy, NPS MedicineWise CEO Adj A/Prof Steve Morris is joined by health consumer advocate Debra Letica and CEO of the Consumers Health Forum, Leanne Wells. New survey findings have shown that one in five consumers rarely or never felt comfortable asking their doctor, pharmacist or nurse when they needed more information. Steve, Debra and Leanne discuss how health literacy is a fundamental pathway to good healthcare, practical ways health professionals can help consumers feel more in control of their own health care, and why it’s so important to include consumers in shaping health care messages. |
2-Jul-21 |
| Episode 29: Nicotine scheduling changes – Special episode #2 | Transcript | In this second special edition of the NPS MedicineWise podcast about upcoming scheduling changes to nicotine vaping products, medical adviser and GP Dr Jill Thistlethwaite talks with Adjunct Professor John Skerritt from the Health Products Regulation Group (HPRG), including the Therapeutic Goods Administration at the Australian Government Department of Health and Professor Nick Zwar, Executive Dean of the Health Sciences and Medicine Faculty at Bond University and Chair of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Expert Advisory Group on smoking cessation clinical practice guidelines. They provide a brief recap on the new prescribing process for nicotine vaping products that is coming into effect from 1 October 2021 and what GPs need to know about these changes. They also discuss the new standard for prescribing nicotine vaping products and the upcoming RACGP smoking cessation guideline update. |
10-Jun-21 |
| Episode 28: Nicotine scheduling changes – Special episode #1 | Transcript | In this special edition of the NPS MedicineWise podcast about upcoming scheduling changes to nicotine vaping products, CEO Adj A/Prof Steve Morris talks with Adjunct Prof John Skerritt and Ms Jenny Francis from the Health Products Regulation Group (HPRG), including the Therapeutic Goods Administration at the Australian Government Department of Health. They discuss the new prescribing process for nicotine vaping products that is coming into effect from 1 October 2021, why the regulation is being changed, which products are being affected, and what prescribers need to do to prepare for this change. | 14-May-21 |
| Episode 27: Trust as a barrier and facilitator in choosing wisely | Transcript | In this episode NPS MedicineWise medical adviser and GP Dr Jill Thistlethwaite interviews Dr Robyn Lindner, also from NPS MedicineWise and Executive Sponsor for Choosing Wisely Australia and Tara Montgomery, a public health advocate and communications strategist at Civic Health Partners in the United States. They discuss why the Choosing Wisely initiative has been needed in Australia and how it has been received here, why it’s critical to engage consumers in the campaign, and the role of culture and systems in reducing unnecessary care. Robyn and Tara also talk about the program and themes for the upcoming Choosing Wisely Australia National Meeting, to be held as a virtual event on 19 May 2021, including some glimpses into Tara's presentation on trust as a facilitator and barrier in choosing wisely. | 7-May-21 |
| Episode 26: Opioids special #3: Tolerance, dependence and overdose | Transcript | In this special edition of the NPS MedicineWise podcast, NPS MedicineWise medical adviser and GP Dr Jill Thistlethwaite talks with Dr Hester Wilson, a GP and addiction medicine specialist, and Ms Leah Dwyer, a member of Painaustralia’s Consumer Advisory Group, about the risk of tolerance, dependence and overdose with opioids for chronic non-cancer pain. | 27-Apr-21 |
| Episode 25: How do we move towards truly consumer-centred health care? | Transcript | In this episode NPS MedicineWise CEO Steve Morris interviews Leanne Wells, CEO of the Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) following the recent CHF Summit - Australasia’s inaugural consumer health summit. They discuss what health organisations and health professionals need to do fundamentally to move towards truly consumer-centred care, how we build equity in accessibility into digital enhancement and evolution, and the role of health literacy and in particular medicines literacy in helping ensure people don't get left behind. Steve and Leanne also discuss the challenges and opportunities of virtual conferences, and invite listeners to join two upcoming virtual events: the National Medicines Symposium on 18 May and the 2021 Choosing Wisely Australia National Meeting on 19 May. |
6-Apr-21 |
| Episode 24: Opioids special #2: Non-pharmacological management options for chronic non-cancer pain | Transcript | In this special edition of the NPS MedicineWise podcast, Dr Jill Thistlethwaite talks with Dr Tania Gardner, senior physiotherapist with St Vincent's Hospital’s ‘Reboot Online’ Pain Management Program, and Ms Sarah Fowler, a member of Painaustralia’s Consumer Advisory Group, about the non-pharmacological treatment options for patients with chronic non-cancer pain. The discussion draws from Sarah’s consumer experience and outlines effective strategies for motivating patients to actively participate in the shared-decision making process with their health professional. | 5-Mar-21 |
| Episode 22: A lived experience of dementia and changed behaviours | Transcript | In this episode Dr Anna Samecki talks with Theresa Flavin, who has been living with dementia for many years. Theresa gives a powerful insight into how it feels being on ‘the other side’ and offers a unique patient perspective on dementia and changed behaviour care. | 2-Feb-21 |
| Episode 21: Quality use of medicines in an exceptional year – a 2020 wrap up | Transcript | After the closing address at the National Medicines Symposium 2020, Steve Morris chats with Prof Andrew McLachlan – Head of School and Dean of Pharmacy at the University of Sydney. They reflect on the symposium with the theme of Rising to the medication safety challenge, what 2020 has meant for the quality use of medicines and how COVID-19 has shown us what is possible. | 15-Dec-20 |
| Episode 19: Opioids special #1: Tapering opioids in partnership with patients with chronic non-cancer pain | Transcript | In this special edition of the NPS MedicineWise podcast, Dr Jill Thistlethwaite talks with Associate Professor Michael Vagg, pain physician and Dean of the Faculty of Pain Medicine Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and Mr Don Firth, a member of Painaustralia’s Consumer Advisory Group, about the challenges involved in tapering opioids. They discuss the practical aspects of tapering, drawing from their different experiences, and sharing examples from clinical practice. | 25-Nov-20 |
| Episode 18: Dementia and changed behaviours: a person-centred approach | Transcript | In this episode Dr Anna Samecki talks with accredited pharmacist Kara Joyce, who has been overseeing the new NPS MedicineWise program on Dementia and changed behaviours: a person-centred approach. They discuss the main issues facing aged care, specifically from a dementia and changed behaviours perspective, the impact of COVID-19 on this space, the importance of person-centred care, and what resources are available for health professionals to support consumers, their families and carers. |
18-Nov-20 |
| Episode 17: Supporting clinicians to provide safe and quality health care | Transcript | In this episode Steve Morris interviews Dr Robert Herkes, Chief Medical Officer with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care and past Director of Intensive Care at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney. They discuss the ways in which the Commission has been supporting clinicians during COVID-19 and touch on some of the important lessons learned as a result of the pandemic. They also discuss why medication safety has proved to be such a difficult challenge over the years, and invite listeners to hear more at an upcoming panel discussion at the virtual National Medicines Symposium (NMS) 2020 to be held on Monday 7 December. | 6-Nov-20 |
| Episode 13: Talking about medicines in culturally and linguistically diverse communities | Transcript | In this episode NPS MedicineWise medical adviser and GP Dr Anna Samecki talks with Veronica Nou, a community pharmacist working in western Sydney and recipient of a 2020 NSW Humanitarian Award. This week (7-11 September 2020) is NSW Multicultural Health Week, with a focus on health literacy and the safe use of medicines. In this podcast, Anna and Veronica discuss some of the health issues experienced by culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and some practical ways health professionals can help improve medicines literacy and communications, especially among vulnerable populations. |
8-Sep-20 |
| Episode 15: Cancer testing during the pandemic | Transcript | In the early phase of the pandemic, cancer testing rates fell significantly. In this episode Steve Morris speaks with Professor Dororthy Keefe, CEO of Cancer Australia, about the rates of cancer testing during the pandemic and the potential follow-on effects of this. | 6-Oct-20 |
| Episode 16: Mental health for health professionals | Transcript | In this episode Dr Anna Samecki talks with Melissa Black, a clinical psychologist from the Black Dog Institute. They discuss why it’s important for healthcare workers to proactively look after their own mental health, when to seek professional help, some simple ways to manage stress, and some of the resources available including The Essential Network (TEN), an e-health hub for healthcare workers. | 20-Oct-20 |
| Episode 10: Shining a light on vitamin D | Transcript | In this episode, NPS MedicineWise medical adviser and GP Dr Anna Samecki talks to NPS MedicineWise senior clinical program officer and pharmacist Rawa Osman to discuss whether or not vitamin D supplements may protect people with COVID-19 from more serious health complications, possible indirect links between vitamin D deficiency and poorer outcomes for people with COVID-19, and quality use of testing principles when it comes to vitamin D. | 31-Jul-20 |
| SafeScript podcast 1: Opioids: Helping or hindering your patient? | — | Join us for a conversation between podcast host Lynn Weekes, former CEO of NPS MedicineWise, and: Julian Rait, President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) Victoria Anthony Tassone, President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PGA) Victoria, and Malcolm Hogg, a pain specialist at Royal Melbourne Hospital. Together, they discuss how doctors and pharmacists can use SafeScript to reduce the harms associated with opioids and improve collaborative care. |
2-Oct-19 |
| SafeScript podcast 2: Managing chronic pain: Practical approaches for a complex problem | — | Hear podcast host Lynn Weekes discuss practical approaches to managing chronic pain in people with co-existing mental health conditions in the primary care setting, with: Yvonne Bonomo, an addiction medicine specialist Malcolm Hogg, a pain specialist from Royal Melbourne Hospital, and Ferghal Armstrong, a GP practising in regional Victoria. |
2-Oct-19 |
| SafeScript podcast 3: Benzodiazepines: Keep calm and prescribe responsibly | — | Listen to podcast host Lynn Weekes discuss the risks of long-term benzodiazepine use and how gradual dose tapering can be carefully and safely achieved in the primacy care setting , with Nick Carr, a GP Shalini Arunogiri, an addiction psychiatrist Jane Andersonwurf, a program support specialist at Reconnexion, and Natalie Corrigan, a person with lived experience of benzodiazepine dependency. |
2-Oct-19 |
| SafeScript podcast 4: Patient-centred care: An insider’s view | — | Join us for a conversation between podcast host Lynn Weekes and: Ferghal Armstrong, a GP practising in regional Victoria Jarrod McMaugh, a community pharmacist who is also the president of Chronic Pain Australia, and Denise “ Rustie” Lassam, a person with lived experience of addiction to prescription medicines. This discussion focuses on patient-centred care and the importance of language in reducing stigma. |
2-Oct-19 |
| Podcast: Understanding codeine dependency: Acute and Chronic Pain Management | — | Dr Simon Holliday, a rural GP and addiction physician, speaks with NPS MedicineWise Medical Advisor Dr Jill Thistlethwaite about the use of codeine for the management of acute and chronic pain. Also Linked via: Pain management hub |
23-Feb-18 |
| Podcast: Understanding codeine dependency: Management | — | Highlights of Dr Jill Thistlethwaite’s conversation with Dr Malcolm Dobbin on the management of codeine dependency. | 1-Feb-18 |
| Podcast: Understanding codeine dependency: Diagnosis | — | In conversation – Dr Malcolm Dobbin and Dr Jill Thistlethwaite discuss codeine misuse disorder and the diagnosis of codeine dependency. Malcolm is a Public Health Physician with a special interest in the misuse of medicines, including over-the-counter codeine, and Jill is a GP and NPS MedicineWise Medical Advisor. | 18-Jan-18 |
| Podcast: Low back pain - Providing reassurance, encouraging activity and reducing reliance on imaging | — | Low back pain is a complex and challenging condition. It affects people of all ages and is the leading cause of disability in the world. Unfortunately, many of the common treatments we use to manage low back pain may not be as effective as we would like and have the potential to cause harm. Join us for a conversation between Dr Jeannie Yoo, GP and NPS medical advisor, and Professor Chris Maher, one of the world’s leading researchers in back pain. Together, they discuss all things back pain: from imaging to physiotherapy; what works and what doesn’t. |
19-Nov-18 |
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