Bread and butter of family medicine: Guidelines, population screening, diagnostic evaluations, and practice models

Abstract

This issue of JABFM is full of evidence and thoughtful articles on topics central to family medicine. These articles critically examine what family physicians do on a daily basis. Reports in this issue provide new evidence regarding guidelines, screening programs, evaluation procedures, and practice models. Clinical articles report that the sensitivity of mailed Fecal Immunochemical Testing changes with the weather; a dermatoscope and a simple algorithm can help differentiate malignant from benign skin lesions; and that a few almonds can alter blood glucose levels in response to a glucose tolerance test. Readers will find an excellent discussion about whether, and how, the growing number of clinical guidelines should be overseen going forward. We also have a first-hand account of the Inaugural Starfield Summit, a meeting of family medicine leaders working to improve primary care for all. These topics, and plenty of additional new evidence pertinent to the daily practice of family physicians can be found in this issue.