Implementation of a rapid antigen test for community‑acquired pneumonia diagnostics in Primary Care. A preliminary multi‑centre study

Community‑acquired pneumonia (CAP), particularly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment, particularly for selecting the appropriate antibiotic therapy, to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Rapid antigen tests can improve the accuracy of bacterial etiology diagnosis and facilitate targeted therapy. This study evaluates…

Clinical simulation in the management of suicidal crisis in a bipolar patient in primary care

Managing acute suicidal crises in individuals with bipolar disorder is a critical challenge in Primary Health Care (PHC). Effective care requires rapid risk identification, crisis de-escalation, communication skills, and coordinated safety planning. This practice-based reflection describes a simulation-based strategy designed to strengthen these competencies.A simulation was conducted in a PHC unit using an actor portraying…

Empathy and technical competence in dengue management through primary care clinical simulation

Dengue is a leading cause of illness in Brazil and a common reason for Primary Health Care (PHC) visits. Early detection and proper risk assessment are critical to avoid complications. Training healthcare professionals requires both technical skills and empathetic communication. This report outlines a simulation-based educational approach to enhance these competencies for managing dengue without warning signsA clinical…

Health Inequalities and Drug Misuse Deaths in Scotland: Data Driven Insights for General Practice Intervention

Scotland has among the highest drug misuse death rates in Europe, and the crisis is deeply stratified by socioeconomic deprivation. Understanding how drug misuse deaths vary by deprivation, geography, age, and drug type is critical for targeted interventions in general practice to reduce mortality and address health inequalities. Scotland is currently trying to address many…

Elevation of Liver Enzymes in a Patient with Obesity and Dyslipidemia on Statin Therapy: Importance of the Differential Diagnosis Between PBC and Drug-Induced HepatitisJHJ

Liver enzyme abnormalities are frequently detected in routine primary care testing. In patients with obesity and dyslipidemia, these abnormalities are often attributed to metabolic causes. However, when autoantibodies are present, the differential diagnosis must be broadened to include autoimmune liver disease and drug-induced liver injury. Statins, although safe, can rarely trigger immune-mediated hepatitis.A 52-year-old woman…

Relationship between cardiovascular risk and daily step counts for community health workers in a family health center

Cardiovascular risk (CR) is a major epidemiological marker associated with clinical conditions of high epidemiological impact which require long-term vigilance and adhesion to treatment. In XXX, community health workers (CHW) are a pillar of primary care, and are professionals with a high demand for long daily walks in order to perform their basic tasks inside…

Occult Tibia Fracture: clinicoradiological dissociation

Occult fractures are real fractures not initially visible on standard X-rays, but are later identified through advanced imaging such as CT scans or MRIs. They are often clinically suspected based on disproportionate pain, localized tenderness, swelling, or functional limitations. Although less common than visible fractures, they hold significant clinical importance.A 58-year-old man presented with persistent, localized pain…

Rheumatoid Arthritis Follow-Up in Primary Care: Identifying Potential Barriers to Reduce Morbidity

Primary care plays a vital role in continuity, patient-centred follow-up, and long-term disease monitoring. NICE provides guidelines on a comprehensive annual review, including an assessment of functional ability, comorbidity risk and complications. General practitioners (GPs) are well-equipped to deliver personalised care by addressing the patient’s unique needs, concerns, and preferences. By engaging in patient education…