Factors to be considered when assessing the burden of treatment and a patient’s capacity to cope with this workload are outlined.

In planning models of care for patients with non-communicable diseases, differences and commonalities must be considered.

Growing evidence shows that lifestyle interventions are an effective component of management for patients with mental illness to improve mental health, physical health and quality of life.

MND is a group of neurodegenerative disorders best managed using a multidisciplinary approach, with the general practitioner as an integral part of the team.

Despite the availability of effective therapies and a national medicines subsidy scheme, a significant burden of disease still exists in Australia, with high mortality by international standards.

Medicare Benefits Schedule rules regarding sleep study eligibility have recently changed and incorporate validated questionnaires of obstructive sleep apnoea risk and subjective sleepiness.

Botulinum neurotoxin is an effective treatment for various movement disorders that are disabling and frequently under-recognised.

Although not all women undergoing mastectomy will desire or choose breast reconstruction, it is important that all women have the opportunity to make an informed choice.

Prognostic uncertainty delays discussions and leads to unnecessary treatments for older patients who are dying.

Stigma communicated through words can affect people seeking help and undertaking treatment for their health issues.

The two professions have evolved with different social drivers and scientific underpinnings, with only a recent appreciation of the connections between the health of the mouth and the body.

The benefits of a strong doctor–patient relationship obtained through continuity of care should not be lost as our health system becomes more complex.

This paper examines the importance of, and challenges in, measuring and promoting continuity of care in Australia.

GPs need to know common sources of bias in evidence and information arising from industry-sponsored work so that they can detect bias and minimise its influence on their clinical practice.

Healthcare professionals may face pressure for urgent diagnosis and management but also need to consider a medium- and long-term plan in the context of the social and cultural environment.