Articles
Treatment of the Common Cold
Acute upper respiratory tract infection, also called the common cold, is the most common acute illness in the United States. Informing patients about the self-limited nature of this illness can help manage expectations, limit antibiotic use, and avoid over-the-counter purchases…
Top POEMs of 2018 Consistent with the Principles of the Choosing Wisely Campaign
The annual installment of this series summarizes actions to consider avoiding in clinical practice, consistent with the goals of the Choosing Wisely campaign. These POEMs (patient-oriented evidence that matters) were rated highly by members of the Canadian Medical Association…
Venous Ulcers: Diagnosis and Treatment
Venous leg ulcers are open skin lesions that occur in an area affected by venous hypertension. They are the most common type of chronic lower extremity ulcers. Venous leg ulcers typically have an irregular shape and well-defined borders, and often occur over bony prominences…
Editorials
Discussing Life Expectancy with Older Patients: Prediction and Patient Preferences
Evidence shows that physicians need more training in discussing life expectancy, and there are resources available to support this process for certain conditions.
AFP Clinical Answers
Gastroenteritis, Borderline Personality Disorder, Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis, COPD
Key clinical questions and their evidence-based answers directly from the journal’s content, written by and for family physicians.
Cochrane for Clinicians
Use of Amphetamines for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults
Are amphetamines safe and effective in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
Treatment of Threatened Miscarriage with Progestogens
Progestogens reduce the risk of miscarriage when compared with placebo in patients with threatened miscarriage (number needed to treat [NNT] = 10.) Use of progestogens poses no significant risks to mother or baby.
Curbside Consultation
Communicating Risk to Patients Who Get Their Information from the Internet
What can physicians do when our patients act on findings from the internet?
FPIN's Clinical Inquiries
Gabapentin for Treatment of Radicular Low Back Pain
Gabapentin is not effective for the treatment of radicular low back pain and is associated with adverse effects.
Diagnostic Tests
Prolaris Test for Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment
The Prolaris test improves the accuracy of prognosis for patients with prostate cancer, especially those with low- or intermediate-grade disease who may be deciding between interventional and noninterventional treatment approaches.
Photo Quiz
Child with Swollen Eyes
A six-year-old child presented with eye swelling, cold-like symptoms, and fever.
Practice Guidelines
Information from Your Family Doctor
Treating the Common Cold in Adults
Most colds don't cause serious illness and will get better over time. Adults can treat cold symptoms with over-the-counter medicines. Talk to your doctor about what is best for you.
Treating the Common Cold in Children
Most colds don't cause serious illness and will get better over time. Cold symptoms can be treated with certain over-the-counter medicines, but some of these should not be used in young children. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before giving your child over-the-counter…