Family practice
Audio Summaries

Co-creation and interprofessional collaborative practice for the local management of osteoporosis: a qualitative study in primary healthcare

Jun 23, 2026

The authors aimed to explore the implementation and experiences of an interprofessional collaborative practice (ICP) intervention for managing osteoporosis in primary healthcare. Through workshops and qualitative evaluations involving nurses and physicians, they identified innovative learning processes, perceived benefits for patients, and factors influencing changes in work procedures. The study concluded that a participatory approach effectively enhanced local osteoporosis management by fostering interprofessional collaboration and leveraging local expertise.

The digital heartbeat: a qualitative descriptive study on women's views on preventing cardiovascular disease in primary care

Jun 19, 2026

This study investigates women's perspectives on cardiovascular disease and their views on digital health interventions (DHIs) for primary prevention. Through interviews with women at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, the authors identify key themes related to understanding the disease, barriers to prevention, and the potential role of artificial intelligence in enhancing health management. The findings highlight a significant knowledge gap among women and suggest that tailored AI technologies could improve cardiovascular disease prevention efforts.

Managing patients with mental health conditions in family medicine: a qualitative study exploring the experiences of general practitioners' experiences in Switzerland

Jun 19, 2026

This qualitative study investigates the challenges faced by general practitioners (GPs) in Switzerland when managing patients with mental health conditions. Through interviews with 17 GPs, the authors identify systemic barriers, a lack of collaboration with psychiatrists, and the need for improved training and resources, while also highlighting GPs' commitment to providing comprehensive care. The findings suggest that addressing these issues is essential for enhancing mental health management in primary care settings.

Gender-based differences in colorectal cancer screening uptake in Singapore: a cross-sectional study

Jun 11, 2026

This study investigates gender-based differences in colorectal cancer screening uptake in Singapore, aiming to identify barriers and facilitators influencing screening behaviors among men and women. The findings reveal that while women possess greater knowledge of colorectal cancer symptoms, they face more perceived barriers and have lower screening rates compared to men. The authors conclude that tailored health promotion strategies are necessary to address the unique challenges faced by women in achieving compliance with screening recommendations.

Current state of electronic problems lists in primary care: a rapid scoping review

Jun 11, 2026

The authors aimed to synthesize contemporary evidence on the effectiveness and challenges of electronic problem lists (PLs) in primary care, updating the foundational framework proposed by Hodge and Narus. Their rapid scoping review of 103 studies revealed that while PLs are essential for care coordination and safety, issues such as incompleteness and unclear ownership persist, highlighting the need for improved governance and workflow integration. The findings suggest that leveraging emerging technologies can enhance PL management, but their clinical value ultimately relies on sociotechnical approaches to address existing challenges.

The scope of practice of nurses and allied health professionals in primary care in Ontario, Canada: a scoping review

May 28, 2026

The authors conducted a scoping review to explore the scope of practice of nurses and allied health professionals (AHPs) within interprofessional primary care teams in Ontario, Canada, particularly in the context of addressing the shortage of primary care physicians. They found that while nurse practitioners and registered nurses play significant roles in direct patient care, other AHPs like pharmacists, dieticians, and social workers have specific focuses that can enhance team functionality. The study highlights the need for clearer role definitions to improve collaboration and the overall quality of primary care services.

Seasonal pseudohyperkalaemia in primary care: are there lessons to be learnt?

May 26, 2026

The authors investigate whether seasonal pseudohyperkalaemia, an artefactual elevation of serum potassium during colder months, is more prevalent in blood samples from primary care collected in winter compared to summer. Their findings reveal a significantly higher incidence of pseudohyperkalaemia in samples collected during colder weather, suggesting that longer transport times exacerbate the issue. They recommend improvements in sample transport and processing to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and unnecessary patient harm.

Drivers of unnecessary diagnostic imaging for uncomplicated low back pain among family physicians: a theory-informed qualitative study

May 26, 2026

This qualitative study aimed to identify the factors influencing family physicians' decisions to order unnecessary diagnostic imaging for uncomplicated low back pain (LBP), despite guidelines recommending against it. Using the Theoretical Domains Framework, the authors conducted interviews with physicians in Alberta, revealing five key themes: beliefs about consequences, skills, environmental context, social influences, and reinforcement. The findings suggest that interventions should focus on addressing physicians' fears of missing serious diagnoses to effectively reduce unnecessary imaging practices.

Dimensions of patient-perceived service quality in primary care: a web-based cross-sectional survey of adults aged 50-59 with hypertension or diabetes in South Korea

May 26, 2026

This study aimed to explore and validate the dimensions of primary care service quality as perceived by South Korean patients aged 50-59 with hypertension or diabetes. The authors identified a two-dimensional structure of service quality—"Care Excellence" and "Cost"—and found that while both dimensions significantly predicted patient satisfaction, only "Care Excellence" was a strong predictor of the intention to reuse services. The findings suggest that improving "Care Excellence" is crucial for enhancing overall service quality in primary care.

Family Physicians' experiences of administrative Harms

May 21, 2026

This study investigates the experiences of family physicians regarding administrative harms resulting from the increasing corporate ownership of primary care practices, which has shifted decision-making from physicians to administrators. Through interviews with 27 family physicians, the authors identify three main types of administrative harms: devaluation of physician input, strict structuring of physician time and activities, and an unsupportive workplace environment. The findings highlight the impact of these harms on physician burnout and patient care quality, emphasizing the need for further research and policy changes to address these issues.