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First published in Bipolar Life's newsletter on 15th October 2019  Photo by Emma Matthews Content Production on Unsplash Have you ever looked back on the day and wished you had done more? Or have you experienced any difficulty sticking to a waking and bedtime routine? Both are common problems, and a lack of regular circadian rhythm may significantly affect bipolar disorder. What is circadian rhythm?The brain’s hypothalamus gland controls the organ systems of our body via hormones, or chemical messengers. A fall in light (such as during the evening) is detected by our eyes then affects a group of cells called the Suprachiasmic Nucleus (SCN), or ‘master clock’; this in turn causes an increase in production and release of melatonin, which makes us sleepy. This process provides us with a circadian rhythm, which can be affected by altered bedtime and waking times, shift work and jet lag. By the way, our circadian rhythm is just over 24 hours long, as in ‘circa’ nearly and ‘dian’ day and it is believed to have significant effects on body temperature, stress-hormone cortisol, even regulation of mood and body weight[1]. Why is circadian rhythm so important?Dr Yoshikazu Takaesu[2] of Kyorin University, Tokyo suggests “…circadian rhythm dysfunctions may act as predictors for the first onset of bipolar disorder and the relapse of mood episodes” and therefore that “treatments focusing on sleep disturbances and circadian rhythm dysfunction in combination with pharmacological, psychosocial, and chronobiological treatments are believed to be useful for relapse prevention.” In an article published in The American Journal of Psychiatry, Dr Allison Harvey[3] states that a high proportion of people with bipolar disorder are symptomatic between episodes; even in those receiving medication and psychological treatment. In particular, sleep disturbance affects quality of life and increases risk of relapse. She also suggests that daytime mood regulation can affect sleep and vice versa. Dr Harvey also explains that it seems sleep disturbance escalates just before an episode and worsens still further during an episode. Although there appears to be an association, it is difficult to conclude from studies whether sleep disturbance is simply a feature of bipolar disorder, or a trigger for relapse. How much sleep is enough?A regular sleep/wake schedule of roughly eight hours sleep a night, seven day a week is proven to help protect against relapse, according to Dr Ellen Frank[4], Professor of Psychiatry and Professor of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania. She explains that many people with bipolar disorder are late chronotypes (as are their relatives), which essentially means you sleep later and wake later than the average person. Dr Frank suggests if you can work your schedule around your chronotype, this could give you the most restful sleep but then make sure to stay on that schedule. How can we optimise our circadian rhythm?In the world of chronobiology, “zeitgeber” (German for “synchroniser”) is an external cue that affects the body clock, such as light alerting us to the time of day. Early research by physiologist Jürgen Aschoff found that social cues such as mealtimes or work schedules can also act as zeitgebers[5]. Dr Ellen Frank recommends having three to four smaller meals per day to help keep mood and energy levels stable[4]. The zeitgeber theory suggests that episodes of depression and mania or hypomania arise as a consequence of life events: a life event disturbs social zeitgebers such as mealtimes and bedtimes, and these changes then derail the circadian rhythm, triggering relapse[5]. A treatment based on this idea, called “interpersonal and social rhythm therapy” (IPSRT), has been shown as effective in reducing relapse in bipolar disorder[3]. Several studies[6,7] have shown that social rhythm therapy benefits people with bipolar disorder when added to medication. As well as improving our circadian rhythms, having some sort of routine can assist us in setting and reaching time-based goals, which can improve mental health. For instance, small manageable goals can help lower stress from overwhelm and reduce unhelpful procrastination. How do we end up with poorly structured days?Routine can be disrupted through illness, whether it be physical or bipolar disorder. This can cause a multitude of symptoms such as poor motivation, low or excessive energy, low/high/unstable mood, poor concentration, and other problems with cognition such as difficulty with judgement and planning. Life events such as loss of job, loss of regular social contact or interpersonal problems can also upset our balance. Unhelpful thought processes where we over-identify with our thinking, known as cognitive fusion, can make it difficult to move forwards to a helpful behaviour. Examples might include: “I’m too lazy to do X” or negative thinking like “I’ll never get through everything I need to do. Might as well give up now” or “I don’t think I’m up to doing job Z perfectly so there’s no point.” It is common human behaviour to experience habitual leaning towards ‘avoidant’ behaviours which usually make us feel better in the immediate moment (e.g. binge-watching TV or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol); unfortunately these avoidant behaviours are performed in place of healthier actions that could build our self-esteem and self-confidence because they follow our true values (e.g. going for a daily walk to improve physical/mental health, making sure to have a daily shower to practise self-care). However, the thought of building a healthy, meaningful routine for ourselves can sometimes feel overwhelming. Let’s look at some recommendations in line with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy[8] (ACT), where discovering and continually reviewing our personal values can help us to set useful personal goals. What if I’m struggling to make changes?Behavioural activation is an evidence-based treatment and maintenance therapy. It is one part of CBT and is used in mood disorders to increase a person’s positive behaviours and reduce negative ones. Here’s an example of a negative behaviour cycle: Sleep in for hours to avoid facing a task –> Feel groggy and poorly motivated with low mood –> Fell less able to perform the task –> Experience low mood, motivation and feel guilty and frustrated –> Sleep in late again. On the other hand, a person making a conscious effort to perform a positive behaviour (even if they don’t feel very motivated and aren’t enjoying it) will usually find that when the goal has been achieved, their mood, motivation and confidence improve, making it easier to continue positive behaviours. In addition to behavioural activation, it can help to explore our own values, in order to set meaningful goals.  Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash Values & how they can help us set goal-orientated actionsIdentification of values helps us work out our personal wishes and motivations, regardless of expectations from other people or society. It is important to note that values are not describing our internal states (thoughts, feelings and emotions) as it would soon become clear that having a value of wanting to be happy and to always have positive thoughts would be impossible. Values are also not descriptions of how others behave towards us, as that is another thing we don’t have a great deal of control over either e.g. I want to be loved by person X. By seeing where our current actions are aligned with our values, we are more confident in continuing and strengthening those actions. On the other hand, where we are not heading towards a value we feel is important, this can help focus our efforts. And if we are feeling ‘stuck’ and unsure as to what our values are, it can stimulate a thinking process to move us forwards. We can prioritise the goals which will lead us to values we find most important. They can help us with time management. For instance, we may decide that initially we need to set aside ten minutes a day on a goal. It’s also useful if we can keep an open mind for what comes up for us when we plan a goal or are actioning the goal. For instance, we may need to deal with negative thinking like “this needs to be perfect or there will be consequences” or cognitive fusion like “I’m too lazy to do Y”. Or we might spot potential barriers and decide how to work around them. Some examples of personal values include
From identifying which values are most important to you, and ones that could benefit from more attention, you have a starting point from which you can begin to set meaningful goals. You might simply categorise your values into Very Important all the way through to Not Important, or just choose the 5-10 most important to you today. As with all things, they are subject to change so review them when you feel ready. Be SMARTThe SMART acronym apparently first appeared in 1981 in Management Review. Since then, SMART has been used by a tool by countless organisations and individuals to help people identify and reach their goals. There are a few different versions, but we will use a commonly used one for the purposes of the article. Don’t forget that we may need to break down a single goal into smaller ones, and more than one goal can run at the same time, so write down your ideas and plans. To make sure your goals are clear and reachable, each one should be:
Reward yourself for completion of a goal if that helps, as some tasks are an effort and not always enjoyable. Of course, setting and achieving goals is not always straightforward. Don Kattler[10], a peer researcher for The Collaborative RESearch Team (CREST.BD) recommends that if you find yourself unable to reach a goal, first practise self-compassion (for instance “struggling to achieve is the human condition”, “I’m doing the best I can”), kindness and non-judgement. Next you could gently investigate any internal (e.g. feeling tired) and external barriers (e.g. insufficient time) that got in the way of success this time. Problem-solving an issue increases your chance of success next time. Another realisation might be that the goal was unrealistically high, so you might reduce the difficulty of the goal to maximise success. And finally, don’t forget you can also check in with friends, family, your GP, psychiatrist or psychologist to if you need more support. References1. National Institute of General Medical Sciences. 2019. Circadian Rhythms. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/pages/factsheet_circadianrhythms.aspx. Accessed 10 October 2019].
2. Takaesu, Y., 2018. Circadian rhythm in bipolar disorder: A review of the literature.. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, [Online]. 72(9), 673-682. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29869403 [Accessed 10 October 2019]. 3. The American Journal of Psychiatry. 2008. Sleep and Circadian Rhythms in Bipolar Disorder: Seeking Synchrony, Harmony, and Regulation. [ONLINE] Available at: https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2008.08010098. [Accessed 10 October 2019]. 4. DBSAlliance. (2019). Treatment Choices: Options for Bipolar Disorder. [Online Video]. 2 December 2014. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzgi9Sr7twY&t=1137s. [Accessed: 10 October 2019]. 5. Association for Psychological Science. 2016. Controlling Mood Disorders: A Matter of Routine. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/controlling-mood-disorders-a-matter-of-routine. [Accessed 10 October 2019]. 6. Frank, E., 2005. Two-Year Outcomes for Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy in Individuals With Bipolar I Disorder. Archives Of General Psychiatry, [Online]. 62(9), 996-1004. Available at: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/1108410#26048444 [Accessed 10 October 2019]. 7. National Institute of Mental Health. 2007. Questions and Answers About the STEP-BD Depression Psychosocial Treatment Trial. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/clinical-research/practical/step-bd/questions-and-answers-about-the-step-bd-depression-psychosocial-treatment-trial.shtml. [Accessed 10 October 2019]. 8. ACT Mindfully. 2019. Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.actmindfully.com.au. [Accessed 10 October 2019]. 9. William Miller, University of New Mexico, (2019), Personal Values Card Sort [ONLINE]. Available at: https://www.guilford.com/add/miller2/values.pdf?t [Accessed 10 October 2019]. 10. Don Kattler, Collaborative RESearch Team to study Bipolar Disorder, UBC. (2015). CREST.BD Home & Bipolar Disorder Slides. [Online Video]. 6 March 2015. Available from: https://www.slideshare.net/crestbd/crestbd-home-webinar-slides. [Accessed: 10 October 2019].
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First published on Hepatitis Australia's website in September 2019.  Image by Waltteri Paulaharju from Pixabay If you’ve just been diagnosed with hepatitis B, it might help to know you’re not alone. In 2018 there were 226,612 people in Australia (257 million people worldwide) living with hepatitis B. Emotional reactionsAfter being diagnosed with hepatitis, people can experience a range of reactions including shock and uncertainty, even if they had been expecting a positive test result. It’s not uncommon to feel depressed, anxious, fearful, or worry about possible stigma. In addition, there may also be self-blame, guilt, or embarrassment. Take your time working through difficult thoughts and emotions. Try to be patient and have self-compassion. Sometimes talking things through with your doctor or a counsellor can help. StigmaStigma can arise in society or even within yourself. It can isolate you or interfere with you receiving treatment. For instance, a person may feel apprehensive about being seen attending an infectious diseases clinic if they are worried about what others might think. A great way of reducing stigma is by learning more about hepatitis B. This will empower you to manage your condition together with your doctor, plus it’s helpful if you want to educate others. The learning process Be open to learning about hepatitis B at your own pace. Feel free to explore the huge range of resources available such as via Hepatitis Australia. Information is available in other languages, audio/video formats including podcasts. There are also personal stories here and here about real people living with hepatitis B. SupportHaving the right support is invaluable. Who you share your diagnosis with is a very personal decision. No matter who your trusted person(s) is; you should reflect on the pros and cons of disclosure to each one. You can also join a support group through your local hepatitis organisation or online forums like Hep Forums. Do keep in mind that forums may include people from other countries who have differing access to healthcare and medications, and that any health information should be discussed with your doctor. Finally, these tips might be useful when you see your doctor. Come prepared Being prepared will help you get the most out of your appointment. Having a set of questions ready is a great way for you to get the information you need. Don’t be afraid to ask questions Here are some common questions others ask:
Make notes for later Research shows that people who are anxious or stressed are more likely to forget or incorrectly recall information later. So, it’s good to make notes during the appointment. Alternatively, ask your doctor for a written list of what you will both do after the appointment. The right doctor for you Because hepatitis B can be a lifelong condition, it’s ideal if you have a good and honest relationship with your doctor. Consider the following:
If you answered no to a few of these questions, then seeking a second opinion might be reasonable. If you need help to find a doctor with experience treating hepatitis B, you can call the National Hepatitis Infoline on 1800 437 222. References
First published in Bipolar Life's newsletter on 17th September 2019  Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay Why should we care about stigma?Stigma affects many people in society, from race and gender inequality through to people living with mental health problems like bipolar disorder. It is a huge issue with myriad consequences, not least that individuals may experience knock-on effects of stigma that can even outweigh those of the mental health disorder itself. By extension, family and friends may also experience stigma, also known as ‘courtesy’ or ‘association stigma’. How might an individual be affected by stigma?An individual experiencing stigma may form negative attitudes and behaviours about him or herself (self-stigma), and may:
Isn’t stigma decreasing?Despite the globally large number of public campaigns, high school education and media coverage about mental health, one might think that stigma would be less prevalent. However, according to the General Social Survey which collects data about U.S. residents, the public is in fact more stigmatising – despite increased knowledge about mental illness – than back in the 1950s. The reasons for this surprising worsening of public opinion include:
What is stigma?Ostracisation of members of society has existed as far back in history as ancient Greece. For example, in Athens, traitors and slaves were physically branded with ‘the mark of shame’ – ‘stigma’ in Greek. Nowadays stigma is less visible, but most affected are those with mental illness, the homeless, and substance abusers. In one study, it was found that although people with bipolar disorders 1 and 2 experienced the same personal experience of stigma as those with unipolar depression, the impact (in terms of quality of life, social and familial relations and self-esteem) was much worse in people with bipolar disorder. Stigma can include one or more of the following:
A survey by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the U.K. looked at public perception of people with severe depression. The most commonly held beliefs were that these people:
Dr Kay Redfield Jamison, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, U.S.A. is well known for her work on bipolar disorder as well as her autobiographical account of her own experience of the condition. She states that these study figures are even higher when applied to people with bipolar disorder. It is possible bipolar disorder may appear unpredictable due to its sometimes-fluctuating nature, depending on whether the individual is relatively well and getting treatment and support, or experiencing a period of depression, mania or mixed state. A little more about self-stigmaIt is not uncommon for an individual with bipolar disorder to experience negative beliefs about him or herself, which may reduce self-esteem and self-confidence. Worse still, this state of mind may lead to avoidant behaviours like not pursuing opportunities, or not challenging negative self-beliefs by gathering evidence to the contrary. Even within the medical profession there is stigma from, and towards, other healthcare providers. Compassion without sufficient knowledge may be a contributing factor in some cases. Dr. Jamison offers an interesting observation that the ‘silently successful’ get well because they have sought and received good care, yet they remain silent for fear of personal or professional reprisal. This in turn perpetuates the public’s misconception that the mentally ill don’t get better. Where to from here?Fortunately, clinicians and researchers in many countries are increasingly aware of the rise of stigma and driving ongoing important work in this field. Though there is no one simple solution, here are some helpful, evidence-based suggestions for moving forward. A Canadian study recommended six approaches to stigma reduction:
Individuals, friends and family On an individual level, it should be noted that self-stigma can manifest and be managed in different ways. In CREST.BD's Stigma123 Webinar, Natasha Kolida, a student and researcher with bipolar disorder, encourages education as well as being holistic and self-compassionate in one’s journey. More about CREST.BD in a moment. Dr. Jamison advises:
In 2014 Dr. Roumen Milev, Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology at Queen’s University, Canada ran a CREST.BD webinar about overcoming stigma in bipolar disorder. In this presentation, he describes a fascinating community-based recovery-orientated course provided to 8-10 participants with mood and anxiety disorders. Comprising seven closed two-hour sessions, content included education about stigma (covering self-stigma, family, friends and medical settings; education, housing and the workplace); some sessions taking the form of group workshops with brainstorming and role play. Perhaps this is the sort of course we could make widely available in Australia to complement our current inpatient and community programmes for those with bipolar disorder. Who is CREST.BD? CREST.BD describes itself as “The Collaborative RESearch Team that studies psychosocial issues in Bipolar Disorder...CREST.BD is a multidisciplinary collaborative network of researchers, healthcare providers, people living with bipolar disorder, their family members and supporters.” Bipolar Life’s patron, Professor Greg Murray, is Deputy Lead and a key researcher with this inspiring international team. CREST.BD’s website includes excellent resources and tools including videos on stigma, cognition, sleep, mood, physical health, home, self-esteem, leisure, relationships, spirituality, money, independence, identity, work and study for people with bipolar disorder. Media and beyond Finally, looking at how we can make a difference on a larger scale, StigmaWatch is a constructive program run by national mental health charity, SANE Australia. Its aim is to promote responsible reporting of mental illness and suicide in Australian media and is supported by Mindframe, an Australian Government initiative. This is a great example of protest being used as a tool to improve public perception of mental illness. SANE encourages anyone to report to StigmaWatch if they see inaccurate or inappropriate terminology or reporting of mental illness or suicide. SANE’s website states that “Mindframe has also developed resources for media professionals, journalism students, scriptwriters, police and courts, and conduct briefing sessions with media organisations to discuss issues relating to mental illness and suicide”. ConclusionWith so much research and an increasingly evidence-based approach to combating stigma, individuals have more power than ever to influence how bipolar disorder is seen in society. In addition, the many tools available can greatly assist an individual to reduce self-stigma and embrace life more fully. ReferencesYouTube. 2019. Discrimination and Stigma Against Patients with Depression and Bipolar Disorder. Johns Hopkins Medicine. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Hc0NF89ryg. [Accessed 17 September 2019]. YouTube. 2019. Bipolar Disorder Stigma, Suicide & Families. CRESTBD. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eE8YSSo-tA&t=1582s. [Accessed 17 September 2019]. YouTube. 2019. Overcoming Stigma in Bipolar Disorder: Challenges and Opportunities. CRESTBD. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDJ4DSZ0Id0&t=2258s. [Accessed 17 September 2019]. YouTube. 2019. CREST.BD's Stigma123 Webinar Jan2016. CRESTBD. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=234&v=LKkpvPD903Y. [Accessed 17 September 2019]. Goodwin, J., 2014. The Horror of Stigma: Psychosis and Mental Health Care Environments in Twenty‐First‐Century Horror Film (Part II). Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, [Online]. 50/4, 224-234. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ppc.12044 [Accessed 17 September 2019]. Arboleda-Flórez, J., 2012. From sin to science: fighting the stigmatization of mental illnesses.. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, [Online]. 57(8):, 457-63. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22854027 [Accessed 17 September 2019]. CREST.BD. 2019. New directions in bipolar disorder research, treatment and care. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.crestbd.ca/. [Accessed 17 September 2019]. SANE. 2019. StigmaWatch. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.sane.org/services/stigmawatch. [Accessed 17 September 2019]. First published in Consumers Health Forum of Australia’s newsletter May 2019  Image by Bruno Glätsch from Pixabay A recent study in 2018 by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed that people with three or more long-term health conditions felt less socially supported compared to people without. As cited in this newsGP article, the average person attends their GP on average six times a year, and a specialist once a year. It is therefore evident that health literacy and quality of healthcare has never been so important. Having worked as a GP for 16 years, and living with my own health issues, I can see the health system from both sides. Over the years, I’ve shared the journey of thousands of patients and advocated on their behalf countless times. In this article, I’d like to offer some practical suggestions for the health consumer in order to get the very best out of your GP. Booking your appointment The receptionist is the gatekeeper to your GP. Often GPs will allow long appointments to be booked for certain issues (like mental health and women’s health) or if it is for multiple issues. Without pre-planning, it is not always possible for the GP to just extend the consultation if they have others waiting to be seen. Don’t worry if your GP recommends that you return for a further appointment if the condition is complex, as some things can’t be dealt with in the standard 15-minute slot.  Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash Patient patients If it is the first time you will see Dr X, it will take some time for them to get to know your past medical history so they can put your current issues into context. It can save time to bring in a health summary from your last GP, or to write one of your own beforehand. List any serious medical problems and hospital admissions, operations, medications and allergies, and family history. Agenda setting What you want from your consultation may be different from your GP. Unless they know you well and you have a good mutual understanding, there is a risk that you will leave the room dissatisfied. If you can, clarify your needs beforehand (including thoughts, concerns and any expectations) about your health. If you have more than one problem, tell your GP at the beginning so that you can both prioritise and set aside the appropriate amount of time. Rushing through a list just to get them ticked off in one go is not good news in the long run.  Photo by Alice Lam @AliceLamWriter On the record Writing things down before and during the consultation can be beneficial if you’d like to have a record for later. Sometimes I provide a typed or written summary of major ‘take home’ points for my patients, especially if a lot has been covered in a session. I started doing this after a few occasions when patients returned, having completely forgotten points discussed, or to carry out certain agreed actions from the last consultation! Is your GP listening? GPs are trained to listen first, and speak later. Unfortunately, not all GPs abide by that saying. A study in the USA found that many patients will have stated their agenda by about six seconds, though some took as long as almost two minutes. Doctors only elicited a health consumer’s agenda half the time (contrasting with specialists who lagged behind, only getting the patient’s agenda one-fifth of the time). So, that first minute or more when you start talking is golden and should be uninterrupted. It’s that precious time when you bring up your agenda in your own time and style. Many GPs, myself included, have been tempted at times to start bombarding the patient with questions, thinking we already have the answers. If you don’t feel you’ve had a chance to say everything you need (within reason), ask your GP to let you finish. It is well known that not listening adequately to a health consumer leads to problems, such as missing particular details and as a result, doing the wrong examination, or ordering the wrong tests for instance. In the worst case scenario, you could get the wrong diagnosis and treatment.  Image by Kristin Baldeschwiler from Pixabay What is your GP thinking? Doctors may share similar training yet we develop our own methods of diagnosing and treating our patients. One GP might like to get a good understanding of all your past medical issues, family history, smoking and alcohol status etc. before moving on to your current problem. Having this knowledge at the start can often make a difference to the outcome. An example: 30-year-old ‘Jenny’ comes in with a breast lump. She might receive a more conservative approach such as surveillance before having a scan further down the line, but if her family history is of cancers that increase her risk then management should, of course, be fast-tracked. On the other hand, another GP may prefer to deal with a current issue and get to the less ‘urgent’ items on another occasion. That might make a health consumer feel happy that something has been done but may miss addressing items that could affect long term health. An example: 50-year-old Joe comes in with a sore knee. It looks like arthritis and he is sent home with advice on painkillers and exercise. He feels better so he doesn’t return. But he hasn’t been asked about his father and uncle dying of heart disease in their 40s, so this might be a missed opportunity for screening Do I need an examination? Many patients feel embarrassed or apprehensive about having certain intimate examinations. That is quite understandable, and even doctors can feel the same way when they see another doctor. GPs are used to patients getting nervous, and if made aware beforehand, they can gently explain about the procedure and take it at the patient’s pace. Personality and communication These are aspects which have a significant impact on how your consultation will go. Is your GP rigid or flexible? Are they paternalistic, as in “Do as I say” or more about you – “What would you like to do?” It depends on your personality as to whether you’ll be able to work together towards your health goals. Does your GP explain difficult terms, and answer your questions to your satisfaction? Are they patient with you? Do they encourage you to take on responsibility and autonomy in your health management, where possible? Confidentiality Something that is not talked about much, is when GPs (and other doctors) talk within earshot of receptionists, other doctors, and worse still, other patients. Your GP should never discuss your health with anyone else without your permission. A good doctor never forgets about confidentiality and the circumstances where this trust can be broken are extremely rare.  Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay Continuity of care Ideally, you will have just one GP who works full time. This means they will know you and your issues and be able to manage you better than someone who only sees you occasionally. However, given that many GPs work part-time, and in any case all will take time off at some point, try to stick to a maximum of two GPs in the same practice. Not only will they be able to share your health record, they will be able to talk to each other to have more of a team approach to your care. Getting a second opinion When might you consider seeing a second GP? There can be times when your regular GP seems to have hit a roadblock with managing your health, or you just don’t gel for reasons of personality or communication style, for example. If that happens, you have a right to seek a second opinion, either within the same practice or in a different clinic – the latter being a benefit of the Australian health system not available in countries like the UK. A fresh pair of eyes and a new perspective can make a big difference if progress has stalled. Some people feel guilty if they move to another doctor, which is understandable, but unfounded.  Image by truthseeker08 from Pixabay Asking for assistance Apart from medical advice and treatment, what about navigating the health system? Only about a quarter of people surveyed by the ABS found it easy to navigate the health system, with increasing difficulty for people experiencing psychological distress. People may need help with booking an appointment for an outpatient clinic or an investigation, understanding a treatment plan, or working out the best options available. Again, ask your GP, receptionist or practice nurse if you need help.  Image by aj-garcia-454112-unsplash Mental health issues The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) found that during the period 2015-16, the number of people attending with mental health conditions was on the rise; a third of were attending with depression. And with an estimated four million Australians experiencing a common mental health condition in 2015, these statistics show how serious mental health care is. There are many facets to a successful mental health consultation, and to go through them all would be outside the scope of this article. In brief however, I would recommend that a long appointment be booked in advance, and if possible, that a partner/friend/relative accompanies you. In my experience, that gives the person emotional support, as well as the support person being able to ensure that their needs are met. In addition, more objective information can be provided this way, as often someone with mental health issues are too distressed or lacking in full insight to give a full explanation of their symptoms. I’d also suggest keeping a daily journal, however brief. Even if it’s just a score out of ten for mood and sleep plus a sentence or two, it can be invaluable for dealing with the issues at hand. In conclusion Your health is of the utmost importance, and should be top priority for your doctor as well. Look for a doctor with good communication skills, empathy and a collaborative approach that empowers you. For more unique insights, read on Do you care about safety, quality and health literacy? Dip into Consumers Health Forum of Australia’s newsletter & see where we’re going wrong, & where we can do better. It includes this article, plus many others to stimulate a conversation.” 🙂
https://healthvoices.org.au/volume/issues/health-literacy-may-2019/ @CHFofAustralia @GPsDownUnder #generalpractice #gp #familydoctor #PrimaryHealthCare #patienteducation #patientexperience #patientempowerment Or why shopping for health is now a 'thing'  Photo by Shalone Cason on Unsplash Living In Denial I have a confession to make. As a doctor, I used to secretly grit my teeth when I heard patients being called ‘consumers’. And my blood pressure would rise sharply if I heard clinicians being called ‘health care providers’. Why? Maybe it was because it felt as if the recognition of nine gruelling years of medical training were being reduced in some way. That the complexities of delivering personalised, holistic healthcare might be simply dissolved into discrete, saleable commodities. Within doctor circles, I know that I have not been alone in this thinking.  Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay How patients see the healthcare system However, in viewing healthcare as a patient, I started to realise that the terminology wasn’t exactly incorrect either. It's easy to argue that a patient makes choices and consumes services, with a freedom that is on the rise. And like it or not, anyone providing a health service is being appraised for more than just their clinical acumen. Patients are increasingly sharing feedback on third party sites including social media. Their posts then influence the next person's choice to use that service. For instance, a survey commissioned by Binary Fountain revealed:
Just for fun, let's consider 30-year-old Natalie who badly twists her ankle while playing netball one Sunday morning. Sensibly, she takes the home remedy option (rest, ice, compression, elevation, a good swear and some painkillers). She decides to ring her GP in case it’s more than a sprain. But it’s a Sunday morning, appointments are all booked out. So she looks online for appointments at other nearby clinics – a benefit that we are lucky to have in Australia. Or she could attend the Emergency Department and risk a long wait to be seen. Or Natalie might drive with her one good leg to the private Emergency Department 10 kilometres away. Hang on. We’re not out of options yet. She might attend the Urgent Care Clinic run by GPs next to the Emergency Department. She might Google the local private orthopaedic surgeon, orthotist, or physiotherapist. And not to forget she has telehealth up her sleeve (maybe not the best option for a musculoskeletal issue). In the end, Natalie decides to drive by the supermarket for frozen peas and the pharmacy up the road for an ankle strap. Don't worry, she makes a full recovery.  Image by 3D Animation Production Company from Pixabay Money Talks Patients are migrating away from traditional models of health care because they are dissatisfied with it for various reasons. Some of those reasons may include a cultural and societal campaign for wellness and desire for increased personal responsibility. So even in the traditional setting of the family doctor giving a referral to their patient, choice still can take place afterwards. Carrie Liken is head of industry for healthcare at Yext, a U.S. company that has helped multiple health organisations manage their digital presence. During her time working at Google, she found that many patients receiving a referral from their doctor would often search for alternatives after leaving the office. I have no problem with that. I think the days of the borderline paternalistic consultation directing the compliant patient are coming to an end, and that is a good thing. And with the digital age, patients should be able to research and select beneficial services. My main concern is that factors such as cost-saving or misinformation, may come to replace the ethical, family-orientated evidence-based management of traditional clinical practice.  Image by Tumisu from Pixabay In true dialogue, both sides are willing to change. Thich Nhat Hanh Care To Converse? I recently listened to a conversation between David Shifrin of Health:Further, and Patrick Spear of Global Market Development Center (GMDC). For more on the concept of self-care, ‘patients-as-consumers’ and how U.S. healthcare and retail industries intersect, you might like to check out their fascinating podcast. I am no longer gritting my teeth, but experiencing a deep curiosity about where Australian healthcare is heading. It sound a little clichéd to say that we should stop competing and start collaborating. But realistically, health care providers need to begin an urgent exchange with one another. Only by doing so we will be able to provide health treatment options that are (a) in the patient’s best interests and (b) within the patient’s personal preferences. Things will never be the same again. They might even be better. References Binary Fountain 2018, Healthcare Consumer Insight & Digital Engagement Survey Results Unveiled, accessed 10 May 2019, <https://www.binaryfountain.com/news/second-annual-healthcare-consumer-insight-digital-engagement-survey-results-unveiled/> Shifrin, David (2018, October 23). Optimizing the Patient Journey | Carrie Liken | Yext [Podcast]. Retrieved from https://pca.st/o3RA Shifrin, David (2019, May 1). A patient in the morning is a consumer in the afternoon – Patrick Spear of GMDC [Podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.healthfurther.com/the-future-of-health/2019/05/01/a-patient-in-the-morning-is-a-consumer-in-the-afternoon-patrick-spear-of-gmdc/ @AliceLamWriter @GMDCorg @HealthFurther
#PrimaryHealthCare #gp #familydoctor #generalpractice #healthcare #patientexperience #patientempowerment #collaboration "Content is fire; social media is gasoline.” - Jay Baer, Bestselling Author and Marketing Expert
Do you work in a health centre/hospital, promote health products or run health-related content on a platform?
Is high quality, curated content important to you? Then this article is for you. As a doctor with 20 years’ experience, I specialise in health writing for a wide audience. I’m ecstatic to see paternalistic attitudes dwindle in our profession. These days, health care providers are devoting more energy into patient-centred communication. But before we look at how to do it, let’s look at the consequences of poor communication with patients/clients. Dangers of inadequate communication Here's an article looking at the consequences of not getting the message right. By the way, for ‘patient’ we can also extrapolate to ‘customer’ or ‘client. The authors concluded an aftermath of “unnecessary pain, in avoidable deaths, in poor health outcomes, in the prolongation of illnesses” and “costs in terms of the financial part of the equation, in large sums of money that get spent unnecessarily because of the communication breakdowns and barriers”. Sounds bad. What is patient-centred communication? This article published in PubMed Central® suggests that core concepts include:
When it comes down to written forms of such communication, I have some further recommendations for content. How to succeed
With globalisation, the rise of small businesses, and a tsunami of social media and digital communications, there is no ‘one size fits all’. Here are some interesting statistics from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA):
We can collaborate to make great content As a family physician, I'm able to write about most medical specialties. My particular interests are in mental health, women's health, health promotion, and chronic / complex medical issues. I’ve ghostwritten health articles, re-written articles for clients, composed content for my own websites, and produced patient information leaflets for people attending my clinics. I would also be delighted to work with patient and community groups too. If you’re after fresh writing backed by clinical experience, please head on over to my Health Writer Service page. Let's start the ball rolling today. @AliceLamWriter #generalpractice #healthcare #communication #patientexperience #patientempowerment #primaryhealthcare #health #patientsafety |
Dr Alice LamI'm a doctor who is passionate about writing quality health content. Archives
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