COURSE OUTLINE
Module 1: Hypertension
This module begins with an overview of hypertension including factors that cause inaccuracy whilst measuring blood pressure. AIHW demographics of people with high blood pressure and the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors are supported by charts and diagrams. Suggested ways to prevent and treat hypertension include smoking cessation, healthy eating, reducing sodium and alcohol intake, supplements, regular physical activity and maintaining healthy body weight. The module then discusses the evaluation of primary and secondary hypertension and medications to avoid, and then moves to physical examinations, investigations and management of this condition. The module concludes with a case study that focuses on developing a hypertension management plan to achieve treatment goals.
Module 2: Hepatitis A, B and C
This module begins with an overview of liver anatomy and physiology. The epidemiology, transmission, pathogenesis, clinical features, screening, tests, diagnosis, management, and ways to treat Hepatitis A, B and C are outlined. Clinical management of acute HBV and chronic HBV including patient support, advice on lifestyle changes, HCC screening, treatment and primary prevention of HBV infection are discussed. The initial assessment of HCV infection including DAAs, treatment regimens, side effects, renal impairment, reasons for treatment failure, advice for patients and exposure to HCV are discussed in detail.
Module 3: Coronary artery disease
This module provides an overview of coronary artery disease (CAD) and outlines the prevalence of the disease in Australia. It discusses the controllable and uncontrollable risk factors including using the Australian absolute cardiovascular disease risk calculator to measure these risks. Other risk factors include lifestyle measures and management of hypertension and diabetes. The diagnosis, examination, investigations and management of CAD including ongoing monitoring of this condition are outlined. The module concludes with a case study that focuses on developing a coronary artery disease management plan to achieve treatment goals.
Module 4: Tobacco-related conditions
This module begins with an overview of the epidemiology of tobacco-related conditions and statistics of deaths caused by tobacco in Australia. It briefly discusses the features of addiction, the pharmacokinetics, the different types of tobacco products and alternative tobacco and nicotine delivery methods. The module then focuses on measures to assist patients with cessation of smoking including counselling, follow-up consults, pharmacotherapy, the use of e-cigarettes as harm reduction, non-drug interventions and concomitant drugs. The health consequences of active smoking and second-hand smoke are outlined. The module concludes with different types of screening to conduct for smoking-related conditions including those affecting the lung and heart.
Module 5: Obesity in women
This module outlines the prevalence of obesity in the Australian female population, the impact of obesity on their health and wellbeing, and suggests best practice principles in formulating management plans for these patients. Obesity is defined and diagnostic guides provided. The role of the GP is outlined including primary prevention, education and understanding the drivers of obesity. Medical complications are considered. Consultation and examination/investigation guides in addition to tools and information to motivate patients for lifestyle change are included. Medications and surgery options are discussed.
Module 6: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
This module examines the prevalence, presenting symptoms, contributing factors and underlying problems associated with PCOS. Common features, risk factors and indications for further investigation to diagnose this condition are outlined. The module offers a framework for applying the diagnostic criteria for PCOS including presenting symptoms, specific criteria for diagnosis and the process for eliminating other potential causes and conditions to optimize the health of women undergoing treatment for PCOS. Tools and resources for screening and management of the condition are also included. The module concludes by outlining symptoms of complications to look for and provides instructions for detection and management of these symptoms.
Module 7: Prostate conditions
This module examines the role of the prostate and what may happen when it is not functioning normally. This includes symptoms, underlying problems and other common features associated with prostate conditions. It covers benign prostatic enlargement and associated urinary incontinence in men. Conditions that are best referred to a urologist are covered including what treatment options may be considered by the urologist which is helpful for the treating medical practitioner to know. How to establish an initial assessment for various conditions are outlined. Planning a prostate check by digital palpation, what to look for and how to interpret the pathology results are included in unit two. Charts, graphs, studies and diagrams assist with determining the appropriate management.
Module 8: Prostate cancer
This module follows on from the ‘Prostate conditions and prostate checks’ module and focusses on prostate cancer. Topics include symptoms for prostate cancer, diagnosis tools including PSA and digital examination, when to refer and what information to include when referring. Understanding the function and levels of PSA testing is a feature of unit one in addition to outlining prevention studies and men at higher risk. Management of localized prostate cancer including surveillance vs surgery is discussed. Unit two includes information and studies on radiation, neoadjuvant and adjuvant RT therapies, medications, post treatment surveillance and biochemical recurrence after treatment. Unit three discusses metastatic prostate cancer and androgen deprivation therapy, androgen resistance and treatment options. Rare subtypes are covered in addition to bone health and the effects of treatment on the skeleton. The module finishes with an outline of future directions.
Module 9: Cardiovascular health and weight control in men
This module looks at ways to maintain cardiovascular health and prevent heart disease. It also outlines ways to maintain weight control and prevent obesity. Graphs and charts are used to demonstrate the effects of exercise on men. The relationship between obesity in Australia and chronic conditions is outlined including metabolic syndrome. Treatment options for obesity include lifestyle, medications, surgery and counselling. Assessment of a patient’s symptoms, recognising and managing behavioural change techniques, recognising masculinity and motivating patients are a feature of unit two. The impact of age-related sarcopenia is discussed in unit three and the challenges this presents for the obese male. Information and statistics about the effects of exercise and nutrition complete this module.