Family Medicine and Community Health

01/07/2025

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08/03/2025

Our journal websites will be undergoing scheduled maintenance this weekend. During this period, access to our journals may be disrupted. We apologise for any inconvenience.

13/01/2025

Editors from several leading family medicine publications have provided a unified statement about AI in academic publishing, based on their current understanding of the field, to help guide authors, editors, publishers, and peer reviewers. Read the full editorial

There are multiple guidelines from publishers and organisations on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in publishing.[1–5][1] However, none are specific to family medicine. Most journals have some basic AI use recommendations for authors, but more explicit direction is needed, as not all AI

22/10/2024

It's ! We're excited to share an impact story in general medicine, featuring an paper that's made a tangible difference in policy and clinical guidelines. Discover more https://bit.ly/4dvvnwe

22/10/2024

📚💡 Did you know publications increase visibility & citations for research? This , let’s explore how accessible research benefits everyone. https://bit.ly/3Uazk1B

17/07/2024

Multimorbidity and patient experience with general practice
Patient experience is an important indicator of the quality of healthcare. Patients with multimorbidity often face adverse health outcomes and increased healthcare utilisation. General practitioners play a crucial role in managing these patients. This study performs an in-depth assessment of differences in patient-reported experience with general practice between patients living with chronic conditions and multimorbidity, and those with no chronic conditions. Read More On
https://bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-024-02495-1

16/07/2024

Agile implementation of alcohol screening in primary care
Despite the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendation to screen adults for unhealthy alcohol use, the implementation of alcohol screening in primary care remains suboptimal. This study assesses the efficacy of an AI process in augmenting the screening rates for unhealthy alcohol use within a primary care setting. Read More On
https://bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-024-02500-7

15/07/2024

GP’s GP, general practitioner’s health and willingness to contract family doctors in China
General practitioners are trained to care for patients with a high level of responsibility and professional competency. However, there are few reports on the physical and mental health status of general practitioners (GPs) in China, particularly regarding help seeking and self-treatment. This study explores GPs’ expectations of their own family doctors and their reflection on role positioning, and explores the objective factors that hinder the system of family doctors. Read More On
https://bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-024-02492-4

28/05/2024

Storylines of family medicine II: foundational building blocks—context, community and health
Family medicine as social medicine
Social medicine, originating from Rudolf Virchow's work, focuses on social conditions contributing to illness. It contrasts with traditional public health by perceiving populations as social structures, emphasizing the dynamic nature of health. Three cardinal principles guide social medicine, advocating for societal responsibility in promoting health. Family medicine, born as a counter-cultural movement, embodies these principles by prioritizing relationships and community care. It addresses healthcare disparities and advocates for policies addressing social determinants of health. Family medicine aligns with the essence of social medicine, promoting holistic, community-based healthcare. Read More On
https://fmch.bmj.com/content/12/Suppl_3/e002789

27/05/2024

Storylines of family medicine II: foundational building blocks—context, community and health
The biopsychosocial approach
The biopsychosocial model, originating from systems theory, initially focused on patients' emotional and physical interplay. It has evolved to include various clinical settings, emphasizing holistic care. Clinicians' personal and professional experiences also influence this model bidirectionally. It promotes curiosity, lifelong learning, and introspection, encouraging clinicians to ask crucial questions about patient care and self-improvement. While not rigid, it fosters trust, communication, and therapeutic efficacy. Wise clinicians, including family physicians, intuitively address these aspects, promoting patient and personal well-being through compassionate, holistic practice. Read More On
https://fmch.bmj.com/content/12/Suppl_3/e002789

24/05/2024

Storylines of family medicine II: foundational building blocks—context, community and health
The biopsychosocial model
The biopsychosocial model, rooted in systems theory, views health as influenced by interconnected biological, psychological, and social factors. Initially applied to complex medical cases, it became a cornerstone of patient-centered care embraced by family physicians. It promotes holistic understanding and treatment, encouraging consideration of patients' diverse experiences and circumstances. Over time, it led to broader healthcare approaches, emphasizing shared decision-making and addressing social determinants of health. This model revolutionized medical practice, urging all physicians to recognize and respond to the multifaceted aspects of patient well-being. Read More On
https://fmch.bmj.com/content/12/Suppl_3/e002789

23/05/2024

Storylines of family medicine II: foundational building blocks—context, community and health
Recentring community
Disease, illness and sickness—core concepts
Physicians traditionally focus on clinical data but should also consider patients' perspectives and contexts. Understanding distinctions between disease, illness, and sickness is vital. Disease refers to biological dysfunction, illness encompasses personal and cultural reactions, and sickness involves social role changes. Eliciting patients' beliefs and concerns fosters trust and guides treatment plans. Discordant views can lead to dissatisfaction and non-adherence. Mutual respect and empathy facilitate shared understanding and improve healthcare outcomes. Read More On
https://fmch.bmj.com/content/12/Suppl_3/e002789