A Novel Machine Learning–Based Model to Support Shared Decision-Making for Early Identification of Esophageal Variceal Bleeding Risk in Primary Care Patients With Non–Cancer-Related Cirrhosis

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is highly prevalent in XXX and commonly managed in primary care and shared-care settings. Esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB) is a severe and potentially fatal complication of advanced CLD that often presents unpredictably and substantially affects quality of life and end-of-life care. For family physicians, early identification of patients at high risk…

Beyond a “familiar dysmenorrhea”: Acute appendicitis identified in primary care – A case-based reflection

Dysmenorrhea is a common reason for consultation in primary care among women of reproductive age. This case highlights the importance of combining history-taking and physical examination to detect an underlying surgical pathology in pain perceived as “habitual” by the patient.A 25-year-old woman presented to a family medicine clinic with a complaint of dysmenorrhea. She reported…

Recurrent urinary tract infections in a pediatric patient: indications for further diagnostic evaluation in primary care

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in pediatric patients and a frequent reason for primary care consultation. While isolated episodes are usually managed empirically, recurrent UTIs may indicate underlying anatomical or functional disturbances. Functional bowel–bladder dysfunction, particularly constipation, is increasingly recognized as a reversible risk factor, especially in female pediatric…

Silent Murmurs, Slurred Words: Dysarthria as a Harbinger of Stroke in Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Case Report in Cauayan District Hospital

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) remains a significant yet underrecognized cause of cardioembolic stroke in low- and middle-income countries. Subtle neurological symptoms such as dysarthria may represent early warning signs of acute ischemic stroke, particularly in patients with longstanding valvular disease and atrial fibrillation. Early recognition is crucial, especially in primary-level hospitals where diagnostic and specialist…

Assessment Of LDL-cholesterol Levels Before and After Clinical Pharmacist’s Treatment Recommendations

Individuals who have suffered a cardiovascular event face an elevated risk of experiencing another such event. Secondary prevention strategies also involve medications aimed at reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, which play a key role in cardiovascular disease management. However, despite therapy, a significant portion of patients do not achieve the LDL-C targets recommended by…

Rapid primary-care screening for sleep apnoea with a chest-worn smartphone-based screening device and secure referral to sleep specialists

Primary care must quickly identify patients with obstructive or central sleep apnoea and organise a secure, guideline-aligned referral pathway. A chest-worn, smartphone-based screening device (class IIa medical device) coupled with a fully digital prescriber web-platform returns validated AHI metrics (overall and by type), positional analysis, event timeline and signal-quality flags, together with integrated onboarding questionnaires.…

Cerebral venous thrombosis complicated by refractory status epilepticus and malignant cardiac arrhythmia: a case report

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare cause of stroke that can lead to cerebral edema, intracranial hemorrhage, and severe neurological complications. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction following acute brain injury may trigger life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.This case report is based on retrospective analysis of clinical data, imaging studies, laboratory findings, electrocardiographic monitoring, and neurological investigations collected…

Family medicine capacity and ambulance demand: a 13-year equity analysis using linked administrative data

Uneven access to primary care can widen health inequities and shift demand towards emergency medical services, particularly outside office hours and in rural areas. Quantifying these patterns can support equity-focused planning in family medicine. The study setting includes dispersed rural communities and a culturally and linguistically diverse population.To assess whether family medicine service availability is…

Understanding Vulnerability to Homicides of Adolescent Females from the Perspective of Virtual Violence and Intersectionality

An intersectional approach highlights that adolescent females are at risk not solely due to their gender, but also due to the combination of gender, race, class, and territory. The overlapping of these factors increases exposure to lethal violence, particularly in peripheral neighborhoods controlled by criminal factions, where state protective presence is limited. Rather than analyzing…

Implementing a Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) teaching program in the General Practice residency curriculum

Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is expanding in primary care. In June 2023, WONCA Europe issued a position statement on POCUS, emphasizing its utility in diagnosing or ruling out medical emergencies, managing low-to-moderate complexity conditions, and monitoring acute and chronic diseases, regardless of hospital infrastructure. In many European countries, ultrasound is already integrated into initial…