Family practice
Audio Summaries

Expert-informed and stakeholder-reviewed interprofessional triage model for primary care practices: a mixed-method study

Aug 6, 2026

The authors aimed to develop a modified triage model for primary care practices that incorporates advanced practice nurses and other health professionals, addressing the limitations of traditional physician-centric triage systems. Through a mixed-method study involving expert input and stakeholder review, they found that the new model could enhance patient allocation and improve access to care. The study highlights the potential for a more systematic approach to triage that better reflects the diverse capabilities of healthcare teams in primary care settings.

Factors influencing mutual trust in interprofessional partnerships within primary care settings: a systematic review

Aug 6, 2026

The authors aimed to identify the facilitators and barriers influencing mutual trust in interprofessional partnerships within primary care settings. Through a systematic review of 11 studies, they found 16 facilitators, such as effective communication and co-location, and 7 barriers, including perceived conflicts of interest and lack of familiarity. The study highlights the importance of nurturing trust to enhance collaborative practices among healthcare professionals, while also noting the need for further research on trust dynamics, particularly among non-medical professionals.

The use of patient-reported outcome questionnaires in patients with post-COVID-19 condition: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Jul 31, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in assessing the prevalence of abnormal results among patients with post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). Their systematic review and meta-analysis found that patients with PCC exhibited significantly higher abnormal questionnaire results compared to controls, although the overall evidence was deemed low in certainty due to biases and imprecision. The study highlights the necessity for further validation of PROMs in this population.

Outcomes of an opioid reduction tool among patients with chronic noncancer pain in primary care

Jul 30, 2026

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an opioid reduction tool in facilitating tapering among patients with chronic noncancer pain receiving long-term opioid treatment in primary care. The results indicated a significant reduction in the median oral morphine equivalent daily dose over three months, with no adverse effects on pain-related outcomes, suggesting the tool's potential utility. The authors recommend further research through a larger controlled trial to confirm these findings.

Primary care-based interventions for post-stroke follow-up for long-term care: a systematic review

Jul 28, 2026

This systematic review aims to identify effective follow-up interventions in primary and community care for stroke survivors after discharge from specialist services. The authors found that while various care coordination strategies and self-management approaches exist, there is a significant need to address the emotional and mental health needs of these patients. Ultimately, the study highlights the potential of multidisciplinary primary care to provide comprehensive support for stroke survivors.

Identifying clinical signs of child abuse in primary care: a systematic review

Jul 26, 2026

The authors aimed to identify the clinical signs of child abuse in primary care settings through a systematic review of existing literature. They found that abused children may present with a range of physical (e.g., fractures, bruises), somatic (e.g., abdominal pain), psychological (e.g., anxiety, depression), and behavioral symptoms (e.g., developmental delays), highlighting the need for increased awareness and consideration of abuse in clinical assessments.

Artificial intelligence-based automated scoring of the Clock Drawing Test in older adults in primary care: association with Mini-Mental State Examination scores, discriminative performance, and agreement with clinician rating

Jul 23, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based automated scoring system for the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) in detecting cognitive impairment among older adults in primary care. They found that while AI scoring correlated moderately with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and demonstrated good agreement with clinician ratings, it had lower accuracy compared to manual scoring, suggesting it may serve as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for traditional assessments.

From guidelines to practice: general practitioners' consensus on indicators for managing selected multimorbidity in primary care in Western Australia

Jul 22, 2026

This study aimed to establish a consensus among general practitioners in Western Australia on indicators for managing five common chronic conditions—type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease—within a unified framework to improve adherence to Australian guidelines. Through a two-round Delphi survey, the authors identified 61 relevant indicators, emphasizing the need for clearer guidance on certain aspects of pharmacological management and lifestyle counseling. The findings suggest a practical tool for holistic care in multimorbidity management, which warrants further piloting to assess its impact on patient outcomes.

Pulmonary congestion assessed by lung ultrasound in stable ambulatory patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction in primary care

Jul 22, 2026

This study investigates the role of lung ultrasound in detecting subclinical pulmonary congestion in stable ambulatory patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) managed in primary care. The authors found that a significant proportion of patients exhibited B-lines indicative of pulmonary congestion, which correlated with certain biomarkers and clinical signs, but not with functional capacity or quality of life measures. The findings suggest that lung ultrasound could be a valuable tool for identifying hidden congestion in this patient population.

The Amapola Test: description of a novel screening tool for visual alterations in primary care

Jul 5, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Amapola Test, a novel screening tool for detecting visual alterations in primary care settings. Their study demonstrated a high concordance rate between the symptoms identified by the test and those confirmed by an ophthalmologist, suggesting that the Amapola Test could serve as a valuable supportive tool for primary care physicians. However, the authors emphasize the need for further research in real-life contexts to fully assess its diagnostic performance.