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Virji, Safiya; Hill, Hannah; Potter, Elizabeth; Grimstvedt, Claire; McHugh, Fiona
2025 InnovAiT: Education and inspiration for general practice
doi: 10.1177/17557380241310127
Recognising autism in children is a crucial skill for GPs, but the varied ways in which autism can present often make this challenging. Although being autistic is not a deficit, the interaction between autism and the environment plays a significant role in outcomes, with autistic individuals facing daily challenges and experiencing significant health disparities. GPs must feel confident in their knowledge to make informed, compassionate healthcare decisions to mitigate these impacts in primary care. This article explores why autistic children present to GPs and outlines strategies for GPs to deliver neurodiversity-affirming healthcare, promoting better outcomes, more inclusive support and ensuring that every child receives care tailored to their individual needs. Case presentations are included to illustrate recognition of key signs of autism, how to address co-existing conditions and the provision of tailored support for families.
Raja, Shumma R; Mohammad, Robina
2025 InnovAiT: Education and inspiration for general practice
doi: 10.1177/17557380241312583
Dry eye disease (DED), also known as dry eye syndrome (DES) or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is one of the most common problems affecting the general population. It is a self-perpetuating cycle of inflammation and damage to the ocular surface. DES affects 15–33% of those aged over 65 years and prevalence increases with age. It is 50% more common in women than in men. There are many other risk factors for dry eyes. It is characterised by ocular irritation and visual disturbance. Dry eye can be classified into two main types. Hypo secretive (aqueous-deficient or tear deficient) causes and evaporative causes. Current treatment is heavily weighted toward supplementation, stimulation, preservation of aqueous tears or treatment of ocular surface inflammation. DED involves multiple deficiency states and can result in treatment failure and frustration. Furthermore, long-term use of some medication can cause harm to the ocular surface. It is estimated that the NHS spends annually over £27,000,000 pounds on over 6,400,000 prescriptions for artificial tears, ocular lubricants and astringents (figures from 2014). Over the last decade, considerable research has been carried out on the pathophysiological mechanisms involved. This article will explore the different ways in which DES presents and how to diagnose it as well as the main management options.
2025 InnovAiT: Education and inspiration for general practice
doi: 10.1177/17557380241311807
Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies. Patients often present with migratory abdominal pain. The initial pain is typically vague, central abdominal pain later localising to the right lower quadrant. Timely diagnosis and referral to secondary care is a key process in its management, particularly in patient groups presenting atypically, notably children, pregnant women and elderly patients. Clinicians in primary care can use observations, urinalysis and clinical risk scores to help guide decision making.
Ansari, Taha Alver; Siddiqui, Zubair Ahmed
2025 InnovAiT: Education and inspiration for general practice
doi: 10.1177/17557380241311211
Polycystic kidney disease is a common inherited disorder that primarily follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, leading to significant kidney problems. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most prevalent form, representing the leading genetic cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide. Characterised by clusters of fluid-filled cysts in both kidneys, ADPKD is a multisystem and progressive disease involving organs such as the heart, liver, and pancreas. Understanding ADPKD's genetic basis, clinical presentations, and progression is crucial for GPs, as early detection and appropriate management can significantly improve patient outcomes. This article provides a comprehensive overview of ADPKD for GPs, focusing on diagnosis, management, and clinical implications.
2025 InnovAiT: Education and inspiration for general practice
doi: 10.1177/17557380241311239
‘I think I’ve got thrush again’, ‘I’ve got a lot of white discharge again’, ‘My discharge has changed’ are common presenting complaints, often assumed to be thrush. Not all discharge is thrush and not all discharge is abnormal. It is crucial for clinicians to perform thorough assessments and offer appropriate investigations when necessary. Time and resource constraints in general practice can make this challenging, but it is important to ensure patients’ concerns are adequately addressed. By assessing symptoms correctly, investigating when needed and providing proper education, clinicians can ensure patients receive accurate information and the care they deserve. This article will review the causes of vaginal discharge, assessment and management in line with current UK guidelines.
Loganathan, Shanghavie; Middleton, Mr Jo; Heath, Jason; Cooper, Maxwell
2025 InnovAiT: Education and inspiration for general practice
doi: 10.1177/17557380241305989
Travel medicine is a medical specialty focusing on the prevention and treatment of health issues before, during and after international travel. Services typically include pre-travel advice, vaccinations, prescription medications and post-travel care. Provision of many travel services falls outside NHS funding and is increasingly provided privately by pharmacies and travel clinics. General practice is a first point of contact for some travellers offering an opportunity for GPs to provide advice or to signpost if appropriate to dedicated travel health services. This article will cover travel medicine and use of brief interventions to motivate engagement of patients in behaviour change opportunistically when seeking travel advice.
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