The
specialty of general practice/family
medicine
GPs/family
doctors are specialist physicians trained in the principles of the
discipline.
They are
personal doctors, primarily responsible for the provision of
comprehensive and continuing care to every individual seeking
medical care irrespective of age, sex and
illness.
They care
for individuals in the context of their family, their community and
their culture, always respecting the autonomy of their
patients.
They
recognise they will also have a professional responsibility to
their community.
In
negotiating management plans with their patients they integrate
physical, psychological, social, cultural and existential factors,
utilising the knowledge and trust engendered by repeated
contacts.
GPs/family
physicians exercise their professional role by promoting health,
preventing disease and providing cure, care or
palliation.
This is
done either directly or through the services of others according to
health needs and the resources available within the community they
serve, assisting patients where necessary in accessing these
services.
They must
take the responsibility for developing and maintaining their
skills, personal balance and values as a basis for effective and
safe patient care.
1. The consultation
