Top studies of 2021 relevant to primary care: From the PEER team.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To summarize 10 high-quality studies or guidelines from 2021 that have strong relevance to physicians in comprehensive family practice. SELECTING THE EVIDENCE Routine literature surveillance of abstracts in high-impact journals and EvidenceAlerts was completed by the PEER (Patients, Experience, Evidence, Research) team, a group of health care professionals with a research interest in evidence-based medicine and primary care. Abstracts were screened, selected, and ranked by the PEER team. MAIN MESSAGE The articles from 2021 that are most likely to impact primary care practice discuss the following topics empagliflozin for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; semaglutide for weight loss; stopping antidepressants in primary care; inhaled budesonide for COVID-19; acetylsalicylic acid for preeclampsia prevention; quarter-dose blood pressure medications for hypertension; aggressive blood pressure control for elderly patients; kangaroo care for low-birth-weight infants; footwear for knee osteoarthritis; and delayed antibiotics for pediatric respiratory infections. Two "honourable mention" studies are also briefly reviewed. CONCLUSION: Research from 2021 produced several high-quality studies in cardiovascular care but also addressed a variety of conditions relevant to primary care including weight loss, depression, and COVID-19.