Canadian Guideline on HIV pre- and Postexposure Prophylaxis: 2025 Update
The 2025 Canadian guideline on HIV pre- and postexposure prophylaxis updates recommendations for PrEP and PEP use in adolescents and adults. It broadens PrEP eligibility to include anyone who self-identifies as needing protection, even without disclosing specific risk factors. The guideline also incorporates newer prevention options, including long-acting injectable PrEP, and clarifies best practices for timely PEP after potential exposure. Clinical implications: These updates encourage a patient-centered, low-barrier approach to HIV prevention, support increased PrEP uptake and adherence through expanded options, and reinforce the importance of integrating PrEP/PEP into routine sexual health care. Full Access: CMAJ
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, 2016 to 2022
Between 2016 and 2022, emergency–department (ED) visits consistent with Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) increased sharply, particularly among adults age 18–35, peaking around 2020–2021 before plateauing in 2022. Clinical implications: As cannabis use continues to expand, clinicians in Urgent Care should maintain high suspicion for CHS in patients — especially young adults — presenting with recurrent vomiting and a history of chronic cannabis use. Early recognition is important to avoid misdiagnosis (often as cyclic vomiting or nonspecific gastritis), prevent unnecessary investigations, and guide appropriate counseling on cannabis cessation. Full Access: JAMA
US Burden of Disorders Affecting the Nervous System from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 Study
The article reports that in 2021, approximately 180 million Americans—nearly half the population—had at least one disorder affecting the nervous system, making these conditions the leading cause of disability in the U.S. The most common contributors were headaches and migraine, diabetic neuropathy, neurodevelopmental disorders, stroke, and dementia. The overall burden totaled 16.6 million disability-adjusted life years, reflecting both high prevalence and significant long-term impact. Clinical implications: These findings highlight the need for stronger screening, early intervention, and prevention strategies for common neurological conditions. Given the high prevalence, Urgent Care clinicians should maintain a strong index of suspicion for neurologic conditions presenting as common complaints (headache, dizziness, gait issues, neuropathic pain). Consistent use of brief neurologic assessments can improve detection of red flags such as acute stroke, meningitis, or rapidly progressive neuropathy. Full Access: JAMA
How One Hospital Slashed ER Wait Times With AI
A hospital significantly reduced ER wait times by using an AI tool that predicts discharges and bed availability, allowing staff to better manage patient flow and reduce boarding. Even with rising patient volumes, the system improved throughput without adding beds by enabling more efficient, proactive decision-making. Clinical implication: AI-driven capacity forecasting can reduce overcrowding, shorten delays in care, and improve both patient outcomes and staff workflow efficiency. Full Access: Health US news