Definition of Family Definition of Family MedicineMedicine

General practice / Family Medicine isGeneral practice / Family Medicine is an academic and scientific disciplinean academic and scientific discipline , ,

has its own educational content, research, has its own educational content, research, evidence base and clinical activity, and a evidence base and clinical activity, and a

clinical specialty orientated to primary careclinical specialty orientated to primary care..

Characteristics of the discipline of GP/FM

First medical contact within the health care system dealing with all health problems regardless of the age, sex, or any other characteristic of the patient

Co-ordinate care, working with other professionals in the primary health care

Characteristics of the discipline of GP/FM

Develops a person-centered approach, orientated to the individual, his/her family, and their community.

Has a unique consultation process, which establishes a relationship over time, through effective communication between doctor

and patient

Characteristics of the discipline of GP/FM

Is responsible for the provision of longitudinal continuity of care as determined by the needs of the patient.

Has a specific decision making process determined by the prevalence and incidence

of illness in the community.

Characteristics of the discipline of GP/FM

Manages simultaneously both acute and chronic health problems of individual patients.

Manages illness which presents in an undifferentiated way at an early stage in its development, which may require urgent

intervention.

Characteristics of the discipline of GP/FM

Promotes health and well being both by appropriate and effective intervention.

Deals with health problems in their physical, psychological, social, cultural and

existential dimensions.

The Core Competencies of the General Practitioner

1.Primary care management2 .Person-centered care

3 .Specific problem solving skills4 .Comprehensive 1. approach

5 .Community orientation6 .Holistic approach

The WONCA 1991 statement includes the following

Comprehensive care Orientation to the patient

Family focus Doctor/patient relationship

Co-ordination with other services Advocacy

Accessibility and resource management

Drug DoctorDrug Doctor

Balint et al to coin the term “the drug doctor”. Using the consultation interaction as a therapeutic tool must be regarded as a key feature of general practice and must be part of

its training.