General practice--a source of specialist referral?
These then, are the roles of general practice that have been and will continue as the future unfolds. These historical as well as current and unique characteristics conclusively contradict this essay topic's assertions. In his textbook McWhinney states that "referral implies a transfer of responsibility for some or part of the patient's care". This means that specialist responsibility is shared with the general practitioner. Historically, no society in history has survived without some family structure to care for the individual. Similarly, no family will be able to survive if it has no one to care for its health. As a result of close association with the individual or family, general practice has always been central to human care and has occupied a respected and close relationship with its patients. This is separate from the role of specialists. Social change, however, will pave its own path. If the general practitioner can supply what society demands of it, then it too will survive as the family has. If all of the above roles of general practice are realistic, and we are truly patient oriented, then, inevitably, it is society who will decide what general practice will be.
Department of Community Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne.
J
J
Cohen
D005194:Family Practice; D005544:Forecasting; D006694:Holistic Health; D012017:Referral and Consultation