The GP Podcast

Therapeutics in Primary Care: Asthma Part 1

Participants * Dr Paul Ryan, Therapeutics Clinical Lead, Irish College of GPs * Dr John Maher - Host Summary Dr John Maher is joined by Dr. Paul Ryan to discuss Asthma management in General Practice.  This is a two part series.   In today's episode (part 1), Paul discusses: * Establishing diagnosis in patients with suspected asthma in adults, 5-16yo, and under 5yo cohorts; * Special considerations in under 5s, where objective tests may be less feasible; * Reviewing and risk-stratifying patients with confirmed asthma, including the risks of salbutamol overuse; * Audit and practice improvement project opportunities to optimise management of patients living with asthma under our care.  We will follow up next week week with part 2, where Paul discusses: * Current guidelines and recommendations, including the 2024 Joint Guideline from the British Thoracic Society, NICE and SIGN; * An overview of the five steps in managing asthma in primary care, incorporating AIR (Anti-Inflammatory Reliever) and MART (Maintenance And Reliever Therapy) devices; * Uncontrolled asthma and managing acute exacerbations; * The importance of considering future risk of acute exacerbations, and when to refer to secondary care for specialist input. Links * Irish College of GPs Website [https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/] * Respiratory Clinical Hub [https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/Home/Clinical-Hub/Clinical-Topics/Respiratory] * Asthma – Diagnosis, Assessment and Management in General Practice Quick Reference Guide (Dr Dermot Nolan, Dr Des Murphy, Irish College of GPs, Nov 2020) [https://www.isha.ie/sites/www.isha.ie/files/article_downloadable_resources/Asthma_-_Diagnosis__Assessment_and_Management_in_General_Practice_QRG.pdf] * BTS/NICE/SIGN Joint Guideline on Asthma: Diagnosis, Monitoring and Chronic Asthma Management (BTS/NICE/SIGN, 2024) [https://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/clinical-resources/guidelines/asthma-chronic/] * HSE “Treat Your Respiratory Tract Infection” Patient Information Leaflet [https://assets.hse.ie/media/documents/Treat_your_Respiratory_Tract_Infection_leaflet.pdf] * Irish College of GPs Audit Toolkit (Dr Claire Collins, Irish College of GPs, 2019) [https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=BT6MMRVWPiM%3D&portalid=0] – See Appendix 1: Audit Examples - Example 3 for Asthma  * Asthma Control Test [https://www.asthmacontroltest.com/welcome/] * Asthma Action Plan (Asthma Society of Ireland) [https://www.asthma.ie/about-asthma/managing-your-asthma/asthma-action-plan/] * Asthma Inhaler Technique Videos for Patients (Asthma Society of Ireland) [https://www.asthma.ie/resources-and-tips-type/asthma-inhaler-technique/] Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs. Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast. This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided. Subscribe, like and review wherever you get your podcasts. Webpage: https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast [https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast] Email: podcast@icgp.ie

Management of Lipids

Participants * Dr Eamonn O’Shea, Cardiovascular Lead, Irish College of GPs * Dr David McConaghy, Prevention Lead, Irish College of GPs * Dr John Maher, GP - Host Summary Eamonn and David discuss the positive impact of appropriately managing elevated lipids  on cardiovascular risk, focusing on LDL cholesterol targets for different risk groups, the initiation of lipid-lowering therapy, management of side effects, and therapeutics considerations for women of childbearing age.   They also highlight the opportunity presented by the HSE Prevention Programme (OCF, PP and CDM) to review and optimise LDL target levels based on risk stratification.  They discuss therapies including how and when to initiate bempedoic acid, the role of integrated care hubs, and the emerging measurement of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] as an independent risk factor.    Links * Irish College of GPs Cardiovascular Clinical Hub [https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/Home/Clinical-Hub/Clinical-Topics/Cardiovascular] * Prevention Strategies for Cardiovascular Disease – Clinical Review, Forum, April 2024 [https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/Forum/journal-articles?JournalID=17] * ESC 2025 Focused Update of the 2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias [https://www.escardio.org/guidelines/clinical-practice-guidelines/all-esc-practice-guidelines/dyslipidaemias/] * ESC LDL Targets Based on Risk Stratification [https://www.escardio.org/communities/councils/cardiology-practice/education/cardiopractice/lipidology-update-targets-and-timing-of-well-established-therapies/] Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs. Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast. This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided. Subscribe, like and review wherever you get your podcasts. Webpage: https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast [https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast] Email: podcast@icgp.ie

Wednesday Webinar Preview: 06 May 2026

Participants  * Dr Suzanne Kelly, Deputy Medical Director, Irish College of GPs * Dr John Maher - Host  Summary This episode previews tonight's Wednesday Webinar (06 May 2026).  You will find a link to the College webinar recordings page here [https://www.icgpeducation.ie/course/view.php?id=355].  This will include a recording of this month's webinar, once it becomes available in the coming days. The webinar will be introduced by today's guest, Dr Suzanne Kelly, Deputy Medical Director, Irish College of GPs. Wednesday Webinar Topics and Speakers: * Introduction - Dr Suzanne Kelly, Deputy Medical Director, Irish College of GPs * Consent and Shared Decision Making - Dr James Thorpe, Medicolegal Consultant at the Medical Protection Society * Allergic Rhinitis Not to be Sniffed At - Dr Cristina Warren, GP with Extended Role in ENT * Bit by a Tick. Help? - Professor Eoin Feeney, Consultant in Infectious Diseases, St Vincent's Hospital; Adjunct Clinical Professor, UCD * Vignette: PCS ePortfolio - Dr Ciaran O'Fearraigh, Irish College of GPs GP Officer for Lifelong Learning  Links * Irish College of GPs - Podcast Page [https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast] * Wednesday Webinar Page (Including Links to Recordings) [https://www.icgpeducation.ie/course/view.php?id=355] * antibioticprescribing.ie - Lyme Disease [https://assets.hse.ie/media/documents/Lyme_disease_guideline.pdf] Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs. Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast. This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided. Subscribe, like and review wherever you get your podcasts. Webpage: https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast [https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast] Email: podcast@icgp.ie

ADHD in Primary Care - Part 2

Participants * Dr Aoife O'Sullivan, Clinical Lead in Mental Health, Irish College of GPs  * Dr Brian Osborne, Assistant Medical Director and Director of Mental Health Programme, Irish College of GPs   * Dr John Maher - Host Summary This is part 2 of our discussion on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Primary Care.  The conversation is based on a distance learning module developed by Aoife and printed in the March 2025 edition of Forum magazine [https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/Forum/journal-articles?JournalID=361]. Please listen to Part 1 first - available now in the show feed of your podcast player.   Links * Irish College of GPs Website [https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/] * Forum Distance Learning - ADHD diagnosis and management - ICGP Forum, March 2025 [https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/Forum/journal-articles?JournalID=361] * ADHD Ireland  - Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD Programme (UMAAP) [https://adhdireland.ie/umaap/] * ADHD Ireland - Adult ADHD App [https://adhdireland.ie/adult-adhd-app/] * HSE ADHD in Adults Model of Care 2021 [https://adult.adhdirl.ie/about-hse-clinical-programme-adhd] Other Links from Part 1 of this 2-part series * UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN) - Website [https://www.ukaan.org/guidelines] * Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA-5) [https://www.divacenter.eu/diva-5/what-is-diva-5/] * Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) [https://add.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/adhd-questionnaire-ASRS111.pdf] * UKAAN Training Courses [https://www.ukaan.org/ukaan_events.htm] Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs. Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast. This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided. Subscribe, like and review wherever you get your podcasts. Webpage: https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast [https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast] Email: podcast@icgp.ie

ADHD in Primary Care - Part 1

Participants * Dr Aoife O'Sullivan, Clinical Lead in Mental Health - Irish College of GPs * Dr Brian Osborne, Assistant Medical Director; Director of Mental Health Programme - Irish College of GPs * Dr John Maher (Host) Summary In this first episode of a two-part series, Dr. John Maher discusses Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in primary care with Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan and Dr. Brian Osborne .  The conversation is based on the Forum distance learning module "ADHD: Diagnosis and Management" written by Aoife and published in the March 2025 edition of Forum magazine [https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/Forum/journal-articles?JournalID=361]. Links * Irish College of GPs Website [https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/] * ADHD diagnosis and management - ICGP Forum, March 2025 [https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/Forum/journal-articles?JournalID=361] * UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN) - Website [https://www.ukaan.org/guidelines] * Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA-5) [https://www.divacenter.eu/diva-5/what-is-diva-5/] * Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) [https://add.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/adhd-questionnaire-ASRS111.pdf] * UKAAN Training Courses [https://www.ukaan.org/ukaan_events.htm] Links in part 2 of this 2-part series * ADHD Ireland  - Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD Programme (UMAAP) [https://adhdireland.ie/umaap/] * ADHD Ireland - Adult ADHD App [https://adhdireland.ie/adult-adhd-app/] * HSE ADHD in Adults Model of Care 2021 [https://adult.adhdirl.ie/about-hse-clinical-programme-adhd] Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs. Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast. This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided. Subscribe, like and review wherever you get your podcasts. Webpage: https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast [https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast] Email: podcast@icgp.ie