DISEASES - THE MORE COMMON THE LESS STUDIED (REPRINTED FROM FAMILY-PRACTICE, VOL 12, PG 84, 1995)

Due to large gaps in our knowledge of so-called 'common' diseases a sc ientific basis for their treatment is lacking. Patient care on a scien tific basis and research are complementary. Present-day bureaucracy an d policy on subsidies hamper the development of an adequate research p olicy. Trainees in general practice should be taught to think methodic ally and scientifically during their 3-year vocational training. A sim ilar scientific attitude is essential within the GP networks with whic h departments of general practice co-operate and should be the point o f departure in every GP's daily observations. The NHG (Dutch College o f General Practitioners) should see to it that research shall become o ne of the basic tasks in general practice.