Listening to any of these podcasts can be recorded (in 30-minute increments) as self-directed CPD learning. RACGP members can use Quick Log to record this activity.

Episode 42: Exploring digital interventions for mental health
- 19 May 2022
- 39min 22
- Transcript
Episode 42: Exploring digital interventions for mental health
- 19 May 2022
- 39min 22
- Transcript
In this episode, NPS MedicineWise medical advisor Dr Caroline West speaks with Dr Michael Millard, director of the clinical research unit for anxiety and depression at St. Vincent's Hospital. They discuss how early interventions with effective support, engagement and management of course can make all the difference to young people and their mental health.
Further reading
NPS MedicineWise Mental health and young people: opportunities to empower and engage
NPS MedicineWise podcast Mental health and young people: two personal stories
This Way Up thiswayup.org.au

Episode 41: Burnout and boundary setting
- 21 Apr 2022
- 43min 25
- Transcript
Episode 41: Burnout and boundary setting
- 21 Apr 2022
- 43min 25
- Transcript
In this episode, NPS MedicineWise medical advisor Dr Caroline West speaks with Associate Professor Lisa Lampe about burn out and the high cost for health professionals and patients.
Further reading
Boundaries Research www.boundariesresearch.com.au

Episode 40: Mental health and young people: two personal stories
- 07 Apr 2022
- 44min 45
- Transcript
Episode 40: Mental health and young people: two personal stories
- 07 Apr 2022
- 44min 45
- Transcript
In this episode, NPS MedicineWise medical advisor Dr Caroline West speaks with Nic Juniper and Rebecca Langman, two young people with lived experience with mental health issues.
Further reading
NPS MedicineWise https://www.nps.org.au/professionals/mental-health-and-young-people
NPS MedicineWise https://www.nps.org.au/anxiety-and-depression-find-the-path-that-works-for-you
Choosing Wisely 5 Questions https://www.choosingwisely.org.au/resources/consumers-and-carers/5questions
Headspace https://headspace.org.au/
Beyond Now App https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/beyondnow-suicide-safety-planning

Episode 39: COVID treatment update: Answers to what HPs are asking
- 24 Mar 2022
- 33min 37
- Transcript
Episode 39: COVID treatment update: Answers to what HPs are asking
- 24 Mar 2022
- 33min 37
- Transcript
In this episode, NPS MedicineWise medical advisor Dr Caroline West speaks with Prof Sarah Hilmer and Prof Josh Davis, members of the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce Guidelines Leadership Group. They give an update on the new antiviral treatments now available and answer some frequently asked COVID management questions.
Further reading
NPS MedicineWise www.nps.org.au/coronavirus/faqs-covid-19-antivirals-in-racfs
National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce www.covid19evidence.net.au
Liverpool University Drug Interaction www.hiv-druginteractions.org/checker

Episode 38: New oral antiviral COVID medications: What HPs need to know
- 10 Feb 2022
- 35min 35
- Transcript
Episode 38: New oral antiviral COVID medications: What HPs need to know
- 10 Feb 2022
- 35min 35
- Transcript
In this episode, NPS MedicineWise medical advisor Dr Caroline West speaks to Dr Kate Annear, NPS MedicineWise medical advisor and Associate Professor Charlotte Hespe, GP, head of General Practice at Notre Dame University, and chair of the New South Wales ACT Faculty of the RACGP discuss the new oral antiviral COVID medications that have been provisionally approved for use.
Further reading
NPS MedicineWise https://www.nps.org.au/coronavirus/faqs-covid-19-antivirals-in-racfs

Episode 37: Fostering shared decision-making in primary care
- 10 Feb 2022
- 25 min 51
- Transcript
Episode 37: Fostering shared decision-making in primary care
- 10 Feb 2022
- 25 min 51
- Transcript
In this episode, NPS MedicineWise medical advisor Dr Caroline West speaks with Dr Karen Price, RACGP President on how being involved with shared decision-making can make a difference.
Further reading
Choosing Wisely: https://www.choosingwisely.org.au/resources/consumers-and-carers/5questions
Choosing Wisely: https://www.choosingwisely.org.au/translated-resources

Podcast episode 36: Approaching difficult conversations with patients about opioid use
- 09 Dec 2021
- 36 min 28
- Transcript
Podcast episode 36: Approaching difficult conversations with patients about opioid use
- 09 Dec 2021
- 36 min 28
- Transcript
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 dependence and how to have those very useful, but sometimes very difficult, conversations with patients.
Further reading
NPS MedicineWise: https://www.nps.org.au/news/high-risk-opioid-use-10-things-you-need-to-know
Choosing Wisely: https://www.choosingwisely.org.au/resources/consumers-and-carers/patient-guide-to-managing-pain-and-opioid-medicine

Episode 35: Changing the conversation: 5 questions for patients and health professionals
- 25 Nov 2021
- 32 min 23
- Transcript
Episode 35: Changing the conversation: 5 questions for patients and health professionals
- 25 Nov 2021
- 32 min 23
- 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.
Further reading
Choosing Wisely: https://www.choosingwisely.org.au/
Choosing Wisely: https://www.choosingwisely.org.au/resources/consumers-and-carers/5questions
Choosing Wisely translated resources: https://www.choosingwisely.org.au/translated-resources

Episode 34: Important but not always front of mind – anticholinergic burden
- 10 Nov 2021
- 23 min 59
- Transcript
Episode 34: Important but not always front of mind – anticholinergic burden
- 10 Nov 2021
- 23 min 59
- 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’.
Further reading
NPS MedicineWise: https://www.nps.org.au/professionals/anticholinergic-burden
Choosing Wisely: https://www.choosingwisely.org.au/
Australian Prescriber article: Optimising oral health in frail older people: https://www.nps.org.au/australian-prescriber/articles/optimising-oral-health-in-frail-older-people