Medcast news and blog

The QUM Alliance welcomes new government grants to improve health literacy and medicine safety. Over three years, programs will tackle stroke prevention, osteoporosis, menopause, mental health and multimorbidity. Led by Medcast, the initiative supports health professionals and consumers, building on previous successes to reach priority populations.

Too many patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and an elevated risk of stroke are missing out on appropriate long-term anticoagulation, and this puts them at unacceptable risk of catastrophic stroke and death. This makes early detection, use of validated stroke and bleeding risk assessment tools, and prompt initiation of anticoagulation essential. 

This clinical summary and quiz aims to enhance understanding of eczema and assesses knowledge of eczema management, including the role of moisturisers, appropriate use of topical corticosteroids, and the impact of food allergies.

Explore the role of antidepressants in older adults, weighing risks and benefits, deprescribing, and alternative strategies. Listen to expert insights in this podcast.

In Australia, gout is one of the most common forms of inflammatory arthritis that affects adults, with self-reported prevalence rates of up to 6.8%. This clinical summary and quiz are designed to assess and reinforce knowledge of gout diagnosis, treatment, and management, covering topics like appropriate investigations, medication choices, urate-lowering therapy, lifestyle modifications, and special patient considerations.

Australian Therapeutic Guidelines for the management of gout have recently been updated to reflect current evidence. Rheumatologist Dr Alana Bruce explains what prescribers and other HPs should know about these updates to ensure optimal care for their patients with gout.

Explore patient-centred strategies for managing antidepressant use in older adults using the mnemonic CARE as a framework for effective decision-making, monitoring, and deprescribing. Learn how the Quality Use of Medicines Alliance promotes safer, tailored approaches to mental health management in older populations.

Diet and alcohol intake are no longer thought to play as big a role in gout as previously thought, yet patients with gout often show great interest in how they can improve their diet. Below are answers to common myths.

Gout, a common yet preventable condition, is not as benign as once thought. While it has long been suggested that people with gout are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality, the association has been complex and unclear. Recent evidence has improved our understanding of this link.