This paper describes a step-by-step approach to ethics applications for research projects in primary care for new and inexperienced researchers and those new to primary care research.

This article explores GP referrals to other health professionals and aims to describe a doctor’s medicolegal obligations and responsibilities when making a referral.

Electronic health records have high potential to contribute to research and policy that benefits both individual patients and the broader community.

GPs need to know common sources of bias in evidence and information arising from industry-sponsored work so that they can detect bias and minimise its influence on their clinical practice.

New methods of detecting and treating spinal muscular atrophy can be increasingly complex to navigate for both healthcare professionals and at-risk families.

Most GPs surveyed had used a placebo in practice at least once, with active placebos (active treatments used primarily to generate positive expectations) more commonly used than inert placebos.

This paper reviews the literature from the social sciences concerning the social, cultural, political, and economic implications of evidence-based medicine.

GPs can provide factual information about the risks and benefits of treatment in order to assist this process, but are advised to avoid taking sides.

Pharmaceutical industry interactions with professional medical associations have come under scrutiny, yet industry ties among the leadership of these associations are often overlooked.

This fifth article in a series on communicable disease outbreaks explores ethical aspects of public health action, information disclosure and research in an epidemic.