Top studies of 2024 relevant to primary care: From the PEER team.

Objective: To identify and summarize the most impactful medical articles published in 2024 relevant to primary care.

Selecting the evidence: Randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses relevant to primary care were identified by the PEER (Patients, Experience, Evidence, Research) team, a Canadian evidence-based medicine research group with a focus on primary care. The table of contents of major medical journals were reviewed as well as medical email alert services. The articles were ranked by the PEER team and selected studies were summarized.

Main message: Articles addressed various clinical areas in primary care. Topics included a behavioural strategy to reduce chronic benzodiazepine use for insomnia; the roles of β-blockers and colchicine after myocardial infarction; the effect of intensive blood pressure lowering on major cardiovascular outcomes; the effect of vitamin D on fracture prevention; walking for preventing recurrent back pain; testosterone for sexual dysfunction; methotrexate for osteoarthritis; dual antiplatelet use in patients with stable coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation; and expanding indications for glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists. Four studies that evaluated the impact of screening and guideline-adherence strategies on patient outcomes were honourable mentions.

Conclusion: Several clinical trials and meta-analyses published in 2024 were relevant to primary care, particularly in the areas of insomnia, cardiology, and musculoskeletal disorders.