Medcast news and blog
Terminal care: management of pain and respiratory secretions - clinical fact sheet and MCQ
Pain, dyspnoea, and noisy respiratory secretions (also known as the ‘death rattle’) are common symptoms in patients in terminal care. This FastTrack covers the assessment and management of such terminal symptoms in primary care, including pharmacological and non-drug solutions. 30mins each of RP and EA CPD available with the quiz.
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Measles is no longer considered endemic in Australia but we continue to see new cases brought in by travellers from overseas. This FastTrack fact sheet is a concise summary of measles in general practice, from diagnosis to management, including immunisation and post-exposure prophylaxis. 30mins each of RP and EA CPD available with the quiz.
While the “gold standard” is clear, real-world pressures can put surgical safety to the test. A packed surgical list, a late patient arrival, and a surgeon asking to “hurry up” can all create the temptation to cut corners. Time pressure is one of the biggest threats to safety culture.
The incidence of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is increasing among Australians. This fact sheet covers the risk factors and associations, diagnosis, and management strategies for EoE, equipping GPs to monitor symptoms and support treatment adherence. 30mins each of RP and EA CPD available with the quiz.
The Huddle is your space to pause, reflect and grow as a nurse. Whether you’re on your commute, in the tea room, or walking the dog, each episode is designed to bring you practical insights, clinical reasoning tips, and stories from the frontline of nursing.
Read this blog to help you recognise and manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Australian veteran patients. PTSD is one of the most common mental health conditions in Australian veterans. You will read about common symptoms, screening tools, evidence-based treatments, and referral pathways, with links to trusted resources including Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). It also introduces CPD-accredited training through Medcast’s Veterans Healthcare eLearning Platform (VETs HeLP).
Follow James, a 7-year-old boy scheduled for a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, as we explore how the 4 P’s of child preparation – Prepare, Play, Parent, Praise – can be used in day surgery to reduce procedural anxiety, support family-centred care, and improve the overall patient experience
MBS item number 695 came into effect on 1st July 2025. This new item number remunerates GPs for comprehensive assessment and management of menopause-related symptoms. Learn what you need to know about MBS item 695 with this fact sheet, including eligibility criteria and practice tips. 30mins each of RP and EA CPD with the quiz.
An increasing number of pregnant patients are seeking advice from their GP about prenatal genetic testing. This FastTrack covers non-invasive prenatal testing/screening, including how it works, indications, limitations, and different types of testing panels. 30mins each of RP and EA CPD available.
Wearables with PPG or ECG capabilities can identify episodes of irregular heart rhythms suggestive of AF, but should not replace traditional methods of diagnosis, such as a 12-lead ECG. Evidence of accuracy and positive predictive values from prospective, comparative trials involving older populations are limited, and the potential for inconclusive results remains a concern based on current trial findings. Their utility may be highest for symptomatic individuals or those at risk of developing AF.