A Primary Care Approach to Acute Diarrhea
CME Unit: 1 point | 
1 Hour | 
10 Aug 2025
Overview
About
Diarrhea is a common condition which remains to be a leading cause of death worldwide. It is predominantly
caused by viral gastroenteritis and may be acquired by consuming contaminated food/ drinking water,
person-to-person contact, or through fomites. Due to its prevalence, it is important for primary care
physicians to be able to thoroughly assess and manage patients with acute diarrhea. Patient education is
also a vital scope in diarrhea treatment to decrease the risk of hospitalization, shorten the duration of
illness, and reduce the severity of symptoms.
This e-learning module discusses the classifications
of diarrhea, particularly acute diarrhea or acute gastroenteritis, and emphasizes the primary care approach
to pediatric and adult patients from initial assessment, diagnostic testing, therapy, and supplemental
medications for diarrhea.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this module, the participants should be able to:
- Classify diarrhea based on the duration of symptoms
- Understand the significance of detailed history taking and physical examination in the diagnosis and management of acute diarrhea
- Recognize the role of diagnostic tests in acute diarrhea
- Manage acute diarrhea in a primary care setting
Topics covered
-
Introduction
- Definition and Global Burden of Diarrhea
- Classifications of Diarrhea
-
Acute Diarrhea
- Pathophysiological Syndromes
-
Primary Care Approach to Pediatric and Adult Patients with Acute Diarrhea
- Initial Assessment
- Algorithmic Approach
- Diagnostic Testing
- Management
1 CME Point Available
- This module is accredited for 1 CME Point for medical practitioners enrolled in The Medical Council of Hong Kong’s Continuing Medical Education Programme for Practising Doctors who are not taking CME for Specialists.
- This module is accredited for both Hong Kong Doctors Union (HKDU) members and non-members.
- This module is accredited for 1 CME point for fellows of Hong Kong College of Emergency Medicine, Hong Kong College of Community Medicine, and Hong Kong College of Physicians.
- Please note that this module will not earn CME credit for fellows of colleges not listed here.
- A certificate can be downloaded upon successful completion of the quiz. Please use the information on the certificate to claim your CME points.
Keywords: acute diarrhea, gastroenteritis, diarrhea treatment