Consumer Understanding of Skin Concerns With an AI-Powered Informational Tool
This study evaluated if AI-based dermatology tools improve how consumers interpret skin conditions and make care decisions. In a large survey study of over 2,300 participants, use of an AI application significantly increased users’ ability and confidence in identifying skin conditions compared with standard online search. However, improvements in selecting appropriate next steps (e.g., when to seek care) were modest and depended heavily on the accuracy of the AI output. Overall diagnostic accuracy remained limited (<50%). Clinical implications: This supports using AI as a supplemental educational tool, while reinforcing the need for clinician oversight and improved algorithms to safely guide patient decision-making and healthcare utilization. Full Access: JAMA
FDA Approves First Non-Antipsychotic Drug to Treat Agitation Associated with Dementia
The FDA approved Auvelity (dextromethorphan–bupropion) as the first non-antipsychotic treatment for agitation associated with Alzheimer’s dementia, expanding its prior indication for depression. Clinical trial data demonstrated that Auvelity improves agitation symptoms and delays relapse compared with placebo. Clinical implications: This provides a new alternative option for managing agitation in Alzheimer’s patients, though Urgent Care clinicians should be aware of potential side effects (e.g., dizziness, upset stomach, headache, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, , and uncontrolled sweating). Full Access: FDA
Rilzabrutinib for Patients with Moderate-To-Severe Asthma With Uncontrolled Symptoms: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2 Study
This phase 2 study demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in asthma symptoms and patient-reported quality of life over a short treatment period, suggesting a potential role for this novel oral therapy. The mechanism targets B-cell and mast cell signaling pathways, offering an alternative to existing biologic therapies. Clinical implications: Rilzabrutinib may represent a promising non-injectable option for patients with uncontrolled asthma, particularly those who are not candidates for or prefer to avoid biologic therapies, though larger and longer-term studies are needed to confirm safety and durability. Full Access: The Lancet
Primary Care Telemedicine vs In-Person Antibiotic Prescribing for Pediatric Respiratory Tract Infections
This cross-sectional study showed telemedicine visits were associated with significantly lower antibiotic prescribing rates (34.6% vs 46.8%) without compromising appropriateness of treatment relative to diagnosis. Importantly, there were no increases in follow-up visits or subsequent antibiotic prescriptions, suggesting comparable clinical outcomes. Clinical implications: These findings contrast with prior concerns about overprescribing in telemedicine outside primary care settings. Further research on telemedicine is needed to better understand its effectiveness, patient satisfaction, and impact on clinical outcomes in acute care settings. Full Access: JAMA