Pearls

When discussing contraception, it’s easy to focus on the method and forget about the wider context. Drug interactions are common and, in some situations, can increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. A drug history is an essential part of every contraceptive consultation. 

Summarising NICE guidance into something brief yet useful can be a challenge. What might once have been a quick and easy response to an online or in-person enquiry has become more complicated and time-consuming. Here's our practical summary of the latest recommendations on endocarditis prophylaxis.

Sweating is something we all do but, for some people, hyperhidrosis can have a profound impact on confidence, work, relationships and quality of life. As primary care clinicians (where anything can walk through the door), it is good to know that Red Whale learning can help you feel prepared.

This month, we're bringing you a two-for-one: our summary of the Chronic pain: NICE guideline alongside our article on Osteoarthritis, a common cause of chronic pain.

Every follow-up for chronic pain can feel like pharmacological Jenga as we weigh up adding or removing medication without causing the whole tower to collapse.  It's hard to know whether your conversation is really shifting the dial or simply treading water. Looking for a different approach? Help is at hand!  

Panic attacks can feel terrifying for the people experiencing them. As clinicians, we play an important role in trying to help make sense of what’s happening.

Sleep disturbance is one of the most common symptoms of the menopause transition, affecting around half of women and often having a significant impact on mood, energy levels, wellbeing and day-to-day life.

Nosebleeds are common, but persistent or recurrent bleeds, or those in a more complicated context such as a patient taking anticoagulants, can quickly make a common problem more concerning. Here is a practical refresher, helping us deliver the best possible care when a familiar presentation becomes less straightforward.

In recognition of Aortic Dissection Awareness Day, would we spot the signs? Acute aortic syndrome is rare, life-threatening and easily missed, with presentations that can overlap common causes of chest, back or abdominal pain. Whilst rare, it's one we wouldn't want to miss.

Few consultations carry greater uncertainty or a greater sense of responsibility than those where we identify potential suicide risk. With World Suicide Prevention Day today, 10 September, our latest free Pearl explores how to approach suicide risk assessment in a way that is structured, compassionate and grounded in the evidence.

Do you know your QIP from your QIA? Your LEA from your SEA? We’ve demystified these and more in our article on Workplace-based Assessment (WPBA). We’ve even mapped out a 3-year plan, based on the RCGP guidance, to help you pace your training.

Supporting people to change their behaviour to improve their health and wellbeing is part of the continuum of supported self-management and health-coaching approaches. Interventions in primary care can be brief or extended, but using specific techniques and skills can make a real difference to patients.

As our new Older People, Frailty and End-of-Life Care course launches, we're sharing a free Pearl on agitation, restlessness and delirium at the end of life from our library of 900+ articles. This can be distressing for patients, families and clinicians, and can be a complex home visit to untangle.

Our latest free Pearl explores how understanding ACEs can help us make sense of complex presentations, build trust with patients and provide more effective, compassionate care.

This week's Pearl explores how to assess suspected penicillin allergy more confidently, distinguish true allergy from side-effects or intolerance, and understand the impact inaccurate allergy labels can have on antibiotic prescribing and patient care.

Melanoma is the 5th most common cancer in the UK, with incidence continuing to rise. It can be easy to miss, and early recognition and treatment make a huge difference. Could you spot melanoma early? Refresh your knowledge with our latest Pearl

This week's free Pearl takes a practical look at where gabapentinoids can help, where the evidence is less convincing, and the concerns around dependence, misuse and safety. We also explore why regular review and shared decision-making are essential to ensuring they're still the right choice for your patient.

This month’s GPST Pearl focuses on the recognition and referral of suspected neurological conditions. You’ll see that the British weather isn’t responsible for every weird twitch, altered gait or tingling finger.