PATIENT-CARE AND THE GENERAL-PRACTITIONER

The role of general practitioners is being redefined in the light of t he emphasis on more care in the community, economic factors, and patie nts' expectations. The strength of general practice lies in the doctor -patient relationship; this strength must not be lost sight of. Specif ic tasks of the general practitioner include the responsibility for th e care of individuals; the role of gatekeeper; broad knowledge of cura tive, preventive, and rehabilitative medicine; teamwork; management; a nd development of population based strategies. Future work patterns in clude the general practitioner first and foremost as a clinician and a n integrator of health services, but they also involve audit, educatio n and training, research, management, and relations with organisations in the public, private, and voluntary sectors. It is important to mak e changes only when they benefit patients and to maintain the principl e of equity of access to care.