Will the future GP remain a personal doctor?

Abstract

During the past three decades, general practice has evolved into a form of primary health care that provides a wide range of reactive, anticipatory, and preventive services, and now also purchases secondary care. As a result, practices now have more staff and more complex patterns of organization. However, most patients prefer smaller practices and personal list systems. There is a danger that a core feature of general practice--personal care--is gradually being eroded. If this trend is to be halted, the organization of general practices and the support available to them must be revised so that they can continue to provide personal care, yet also offer a wide range of effective services in the community.