[2019 scientific breakthroughs in ambulatory general internal medicine]

In healthy adults, vitamin D does not prevent falls or hip fractures. The diabetogenic effect of topical steroids is significant and dose dependent. Pulmonary embolism can be surely ruled out by the YEARS algorithm adapted to pregnancy. Patients with osteoarthritis treated with tramadol have a higher risk of death when compared to those treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Inappropriate prescribing in elderly patients can be reduced by an educational intervention deployed in pharmacies. Medical scribes are effective in improving visit quality and job satisfaction of family physicians. Impedance studies lead to new diagnostic approaches in chronic fatigue. In healthy individuals, isolated check-up interventions do not have an impact on morbidity and mortality.