PEER - Evidence Summaries - Guidelines

CFPCLearn’s primary care focused library includes a variety of content including evidence summaries, videos, podcasts and interactive learning courses to support clinicians in their practice.

PEIP Conference 2023

Another great PEIP conference occurred October 20-21, 2023.

We had over 600 attendees, both in-person and online, who enjoyed the mixture of concise, to-the-point presentations which blended humour with serious learning. We were thrilled to have outstanding speakers who focused on practical, applicable knowledge. From “Bodies Behaving Badly” to practical sessions on Orthopedics, the diversity and richness of content offered something valuable for all primary care professionals.

We’re excited to announce that PEIP 2024 is scheduled for October 18-19, 2024. Whether you prefer to join us in person or online, we promise another round of engaging, insightful, and fun sessions.

Most Recent Tools for Practice

Tools for Practice #363 Making a difference in indifference? Medications for apathy in dementia

In patients with dementia, how safe and effective are stimulants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics for treating apathy?

Methylphenidate may improve apathy scores by a small but potentially clinically meaningful amount compared to placebo (example: 5 points more on a 72-point scale) at ~12 weeks. Methylphenidate does not impact cognition in randomized, controlled trials (RCTs). Antipsychotics and antidepressants do not improve apathy compared to placebo. Read More

12 April 2024

Tools for Practice #362 – Facing the Evidence in Acne, Part I: Oral contraceptives and spironolactone in females

How effective are combined oral contraceptives (COC) and spironolactone for treating acne of at least mild-moderate severity in females?

At ~24 weeks, ~80-90% of females report improvement in their acne with COCs, compared to 50-80% placebo, and 30-50% will have clear-almost clear skin versus 10-40% on placebo. Efficacy appears similar between individual COCs. Spironolactone, typically added to topical agents, has similar outcomes. Discontinuations due to adverse events appear comparable to placebo. Read More

1 April 2024

Tools for Practice #361 Preventing RSV Infections in Infants

How safe and effective are monoclonal antibodies to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in infants?

In high-risk infants (premature and/or congenital heart or lung conditions), palivizumab (4-5 doses monthly during RSV season) reduces RSV hospitalization (4.5% versus 10% placebo). Nirsevimab (one dose) reduces RSV hospitalizations in healthy premature infants (0.8% versus 4%) and term infants (0.3-0.4% versus 1.5-2.0%). Side effects are similar to placebo. Read More

15 March 2024

Tools for Practice #360 Ketamine for Depression

What are the benefits and harms of ketamine/esketamine for depression?

Ketamine/esketamine appears effective for moderate-severe depression (helping 10-20% more people respond over placebo at 1-4 weeks). However, biases are very common and large effects are likely exaggerated. Adverse events are common (example: 20% more nausea/vomiting). Considerable uncertainty remains (treating mid/long-term, misuse risk, and long-term harms) and treatment is costly. Read More

27 February 2024

Tools for Practice #359 Topical corticosteroids for atopic dermatitis – More than skin deep

What are the benefits/harms of topical corticosteroids for atopic dermatitis in adults/children?

Evidence is somewhat limited but topical corticosteroids are effective for atopic dermatitis and efficacy likely increases with potency. Once daily seems similarly effective to twice daily. If frequent flares, ‘weekend therapy’ (treatment 2-days/week to areas with recurrent flares) will help ~60% avoid a flare versus ~30% using placebo-cream over 16-weeks. Topical corticosteroids are well-tolerated for ≤6 weeks. Long-term harms are not available. Read More

16 February 2024

Congratulations to PEER's Tina Korownyk: Alberta Family Physician of the Year

PEER Director, Dr. Tina Korownyk was awarded the 2023 Alberta Family Physician of the year at the annual Family Medicine Forum gala in Montreal, Quebec on November 10. The PEER team joined Tina to celebrate her achievement as a wonderful physician and leader in primary care. Congratulations Tina!

PEER Values

When creating primary care education and programs, the PEER team focuses on minimizing bias, patient orientated outcomes, shared decision making, collaboration and most importantly simplicity.

Who is PEER?

Patients, Experience, Evidence and Research (PEER) was formed between a group of primary care providers who shared a common belief that evidence should be made accessible to all primary care providers.

Empowering Primary Care Through Evidence

The PEER Simplified Lipid Guideline