Australian Family Physician audio

Sexuality has become a medical issue in association with aging. This is due to a number of factors, including increasing age of survival, a positive societal construct that promotes sexuality as important for quality of life as we age, and the medicalisation of sexuality with the advent of prescription medications to treat sexual dysfunction.

End of life care and advanced care planning is a very important topic that can be difficult to raise. Dr Susan Lee discusses how patients expect their doctor to raise the topic, suggestions about how to raise the topic and assist in the discussion and also some resources that may be helpful.

Communication about end of life care may involve difficult conversations for patients, family members and health professionals. However, a lack of understanding of a person’s wishes about their future care may result in a loss of dignity for the person, and additional distress for their family members and health professionals and burden to the healthcare system.

Osteoporosis is a major health concern with an aging population. Professor Charles Inderjeeth discusses his research based on a clinical audit about the current assessment and management of osteoporosis in those aged 70 years or more which found areas that can be improved.

Bone mineral density is presently the only reliable diagnostic test for osteoporosis.

Professor Dan Lubman discusses issues in substance misuse in the older population, including frequency, harms, issues to consider in the older population and tips on assessment and management

Osteoporosis is a major health concern with an aging population. Professor Charles Inderjeeth discusses his research based on a clinical audit about the current assessment and management of osteoporosis in those aged 70 years or more which found areas that can be improved

End of life care and advanced care planning is a very important topic that can be difficult to raise. Dr Susan Lee discusses how patients expect their doctor to raise the topic, suggestions about how to raise the topic and assist in the discussion and also some resources that may be helpful

Dr Lesley Yee, a sexual health physician, discusses issues in aging and sexuality. This includes the changes associated with aging and the varying impacts these may have. She also provides some practical ideas to assist in raising the topic and providing advice

Dr Ngian talks to Dr Deepa Daniel about rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic disease which is known to cause significant irreversible joint damage and disability if the so-called 'window of opportunity' for treatment is missed. Dr Ngian discusses the aetiology and typical clinical features of rheumatoid arthritis, and the investigations required if this type of arthritis is suspected, to ensure early recognition and referral.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that can cause irreversible joint damage and significant disability. With a prevalence of 1%, it has a considerable cost to the community. Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical and laboratory features. Patients typically present with a symmetrical polyarthritis of the small joints of the hands and feet accompanied by early morning stiffness and, occasionally, constitutional symptoms.

Prof Lubman talks to Dr Jenni Parsons about cannabis use; the complex pharmalogy that underlies its the physical and psychosocial effects; and the links between cannabis and psychosis and affective disorders.

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in Australia. Regular use has been associated with increased risk for a range of harms, including the development and exacerbation of mental disorders.

Dr Ngian discusses rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic disease which is known to cause significant irreversible joint damage and disability if the so-called 'window of opportunity' for treatment is missed. Dr Ngian discusses the aetiology and typical clinical features of rheumatoid arthritis, and the investigations required if this type of arthritis is suspected, to ensure early recognition and referral. She uses the RACGP recently-published Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of early rhuematoid arthritis to discuss treatment options, and how to monitor patients on disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and biologic agents

Dr Frei talks to Dr Deepa Daniel about the management of opioid dependence using opioid pharmacotherapy, as part of a comprehensive chronic illness management strategy.