Autoimmune Conditions in Primary Care: RCGP Curriculum Guide

Autoimmune conditions represent a diverse group of disorders where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to a wide range of clinical presentations. As General Practitioners (GPs), you are often the first point of contact for patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of autoimmune diseases, such as fatigue, joint pain, rashes, or unexplained systemic symptoms. Early recognition, appropriate initial assessment, and timely referral are critical to improving patient outcomes and preventing long-term complications.

This guide, aligned with the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) curriculum, aims to equip GPs with the knowledge and tools to effectively identify, assess, and manage autoimmune conditions in primary care. It emphasizes a patient-centered approach, incorporating diagnostic reasoning, appropriate investigations, and collaboration with specialist services when needed.

The role of the GP in managing autoimmune conditions includes recognizing non-specific or overlapping symptoms, initiating appropriate diagnostic tests, providing initial management, and coordinating multidisciplinary care. This guide outlines key considerations for initial assessment, including relevant diagnostic tests, to support accurate diagnosis and guide referral pathways.

Common Autoimmune Conditions in the UK by Prevalence

Based on recent epidemiological data from a population-based study of 22 million individuals in the UK (2000–2019), the following are among the...