GP Training - Catalogue

This learning activity consists of six 1-hour online learning activities about bipolar mood disorder and covering topics such as: Bipolar I - the first presentation; Delayed diagnosis of Bipolar II; Co-morbidity in bipolar disorder - refining the diagnosis; Personality and bipolar disorder; Bipolar disorder and pregnancy and Behavioural and mood changes in the elderly and how all these conditions can be managed in a general practice.

Each activity utilises a case study approach to highlight particular aspects of managing patients presenting with this mental health disorder and related conditions. Each learning activity is supported by Psychiatrist and GP videos covering key aspects of patient management and carer aspects in general practice and shared care arrangements.

Learning strategies include content screens with voiceover narration, some with referral to additional screens containing critical points, graphics, readings, and websites (25 mins); video case-related role-plays (up to 5 mins each are interspersed throughout each activity); view specialist videos on treatment and commentary on the respective case (3 mins each), non-assessable reflective questions/answers & statements situated at various points throughout the learning activities which focus on content delivered thus far and on how the learning can be applied in individual practice-settings (5 mins each).

Learning objectives for this program:

At the conclusion of this program the GP will be able to:

Describe the signs and symptoms of mania, bipolar II disorder and list some of the differential diagnoses.

Describe some of the common comorbidities and principles of treating bipolar disorder.

Differentiate between the concept of ‘personality’ and ‘personality disorder’; describe the principles of treating comorbid personality disorder and bipolar disorder.

Explain the balance between the risks and benefits of medication for bipolar disorder during pregnancy and outline the principles of postnatal care in a woman with bipolar disorder.

Describe the presentation of bipolar disorder in older age, together with the principles of treating delirium, dementia and mania and be able to effectively communicate these to patients and their carers.

GPs are central in early diagnosis, appropriate and timely referral,
and long-term shared care for managing bipolar disorder in primary
care. This first module in the bipolar disorder series focuses on the
initial presentation of a young man, Adam, who has not previously
been diagnosed with the condition. The case explores the need to
identify and respond to what is, in fact, a medical emergency,
while laying the foundations for a future therapeutic relationship.

Specialist expert commentary is provided on patient treatment
together with management options and patient safety issues.

At the conclusion of this online learning module you will be able to:

• Recognise the signs and symptoms of mania and list some of the differential diagnoses.
• Discuss current approaches to the pharmacological management of acute mania.
• Develop appropriate practice-based strategies, including confidential communication strategies and continually review these as part of a quality review process.
• Engage patients and their carers in a treatment plan for their clinical management pertinent to their diagnosed condition appropriately adjust the treatment plan; undertake appropriate risk assessment and improve patient safety.

Bipolar II disorder can be a little more subtle in its presentation.
This module is the second in a series of six on bipolar disorder
and related conditions. It focuses on the presentation of Sue,
a middle-aged woman with a long history of apparently
treatment-resistant depression. She is a patient of a GP in a
medium-sized country town where there is no immediate access
to a psychiatrist. Hear from experts on how to manage this condition
in the primary care setting.

At the conclusion of this online learning module you will be able to:

• Recognise the signs and symptoms of bipolar II disorder.
• Recognise the importance of psychosocial therapies in bipolar disorder.
• Develop appropriate practice-based strategies, including confidential communication strategies and continually review these as part of a quality review process.
• Engage patients and their carers in a treatment plan for their clinical management pertinent to their diagnosed condition; appropriately adjust the treatment plan; undertake appropriate risk assessment and improve patient safety.

This module, the third in a series of six, follows Sam, aged 21,
presents to his GP very reluctantly at the urging of his mother
and prompted by a looming court appearance. He has significant
difficulties with his behaviour. The challenge for the GP is to engage
the patient, explore his presenting complaint in more detail and define
the problems that need to be addressed, before developing a treatment
strategy. Comorbidity – the presence of two distinct disorders – is
common in patients with bipolar disorder.

At the conclusion of this online learning module you will be able to:

• Describe some of the common comorbidities in bipolar disorder, and how this can complicate diagnosis and treatment.
• Recognise that it can take some time and repeated, longitudinal assessments to define the diagnoses in a patient with possible bipolar disorder.
• Recognise the principles of treating comorbid conditions in bipolar disorder.
• Engage patients and their carers in a treatment plan for their clinical management pertinent to their diagnosed condition; appropriately adjust the treatment plan; undertake appropriate risk assessment; and improve patient safety.

This module, the fourth in a series of six on bipolar disorder and
related conditions, focuses on a young woman, Ella, who has
long-standing problems with her mood, on the background of a
difficult childhood and adolescence. Interactions between
personality disorders and other mental health problems can pose
considerable challenges in diagnosis, and in treatment for GPs.

At the conclusion of this online learning module you will be able to:

• Describe the concept of 'personality' and 'personality disorder'.
• Describe the principles of treating comorbid personality disorder and bipolar disorder.
• Develop appropriate practice-based strategies, including confidential communication strategies and continually review these as part of a quality review process.
• Engage patients and their carers in a treatment plan for their clinical management pertinent to their diagnosed condition; appropriately adjust the treatment plan; undertake appropriate risk assessment; and improve patient safety.

The management of women with bipolar disorder who wish to
become pregnant, or who have already conceived, is complex.

This module is the fifth in a series of six on bipolar disorder and
focuses on the challenges faced by a woman with bipolar disorder
who wants to become pregnant. In these circumstances, specialised,
comprehensive multidisciplinary care is needed, involving mental
health services, obstetrics and paediatrics, as well as the GP who
continues to act as the central coordinator of care and a stable
point of reference for patients.

At the conclusion of this online learning module you will be able to:

• Explain the balance between the risks and benefits of medication for bipolar disorder during pregnancy.
• Outline the principles of postnatal care in a woman with bipolar disorder.
• Develop appropriate practice-based strategies, including confidential communication strategies and continually review these as part of a quality review process.
• Engage patients and their carers in a treatment plan for their clinical management pertinent to their diagnosed condition; appropriately adjust the treatment plan; undertake appropriate risk assessment; and improve patient safety.

Changes in mood, cognition and behaviour in elderly patients can
reflect a wide range of underlying pathology.

This module, the final in a series of six on bipolar disorder and
related conditions, focuses an elderly man whose mood and
behavioural changes raise multiple diagnostic possibilities,
including bipolar mania. Older people are more likely to be on
a number of medications for physical health problems: these,
too, can have unwanted effects on the brain.

At the conclusion of this online learning module you will be able to:

• Describe some key distinguishing features of delirium, dementia and mania.
• Describe the presentation of bipolar disorder in older age, and the principles of treatment.
• Develop appropriate practice-based strategies, including confidential communication strategies and continually review these as part of a quality review process.
• Engage patients and their carers in a treatment plan for their clinical management pertinent to their diagnosed condition; appropriately adjust the treatment plan; undertake appropriate risk assessment; and improve patient safety.