Substance use disorders are a multifaceted issue that poses significant challenges to primary care providers and the healthcare system at large. This Collection aims to explore various dimensions of substance use management, including the identification and treatment of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use disorders. Research that focuses on screening, diagnosis, and risk assessment in primary care settings is particularly valuable in understanding how to effectively manage these disorders and reduce their impact on individuals and communities.

Understanding and addressing substance use disorders is crucial for enhancing public health outcomes and ensuring the well-being of patients. Recent advances in screening tools and interventions have shown promise in identifying individuals at risk and providing them with appropriate support and treatment. By fostering collaboration between primary care providers, mental health professionals, and community organizations, we may witness a significant shift in how substance use is perceived and managed, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals.

We invite submissions on a range of topics that include but are not limited to:

• Innovative screening methods for substance use disorders
• Interventions for alcohol use disorders
• Management strategies for tobacco cessation
• Risk assessment approaches in primary care

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

BMC Primary Care is calling for submissions to our Collection, Bridging primary and palliative care. The integration of primary and palliative care is increasingly recognized as essential for improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. This Collection invites research that examines innovative models of care that bridge these two critical domains. The interplay between primary care and palliative care can enhance the patient experience by addressing not only medical needs but also psychosocial and spiritual aspects of care. As healthcare systems evolve, understanding how these two areas can collaborate effectively is crucial for optimizing patient-centered approaches and ensuring comprehensive support for individuals and families.

Advancements in this field highlight the importance of shared decision-making and advanced care planning as mechanisms to enhance communication between healthcare providers and patients. By fostering a collaborative environment, we can empower patients to express their preferences and values concerning their care journey, particularly in the context of end-of-life decisions. Research has shown that integrated approaches lead to better symptom management, reduced hospitalizations, and increased patient and family satisfaction. Ongoing research could transform how we think about and deliver care for patients with serious illnesses.

In this Collection, we welcome submissions that span a wide array of topics, including but not limited to:

- Integrating advanced care planning in primary care

- Shared decision-making in end-of-life care

- Models of palliative care in primary care settings

- Enhancing communication between care teams

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer-review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.