General practitioners (GPs) and health authorities have integral roles in assessing the needs of their local populations and providing services to meet these needs (Pearson et al, 1996). This requires current information on the incidence and prevalence of disease in general practice, and not surprisingly the demand for this information has increased. In settings such as the UK (CPRD, 2013), Net...

BACKGROUND There is clear evidence that general practice has become a less popular career choice and among GPs there are high levels of dissatisfaction and demotivation. Little empirical evidence has emerged to indicate which factors contribute intrinsic value to the working lives of GPs and sustain their ongoing commitment. AIM To understand which aspects of work continue to motivate and eng...

OBJECTIVE To provide a guide to choosing a new partner in general practice by using psychometric assessments. DESIGN A descriptive account of the experience of one practice. SETTING A general practice in Bristol. RESULTS The partners found that using a psychologist to assess both themselves and the candidates facilitated the selection process. During the pre-interview stage the partners l...

BACKGROUND General practices in the UK receive incentive payments for managing patients with selected chronic conditions under the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) scheme. Payments are made when a negotiated threshold percentage of patients receive the appropriate intervention. AIM From 2013-2014 in England the Department of Health has proposed that this negotiated threshold is replaced w...

INTRODUCTION There is a shortage of general practitioners (GPs) in many countries, especially in rural areas. There are several reasons for this shortage. Over the last decade, fewer medical students in Germany have decided to work in patient care, even fewer in general practice and fewer still in general practice in rural areas. The aim of this study was to explore the 'pros and cons' of GPs' ...

The general-practice setting provides a unique opportunity to positively influence the impact of mental illness on individuals and families. Intervention can begin from the moment an individual seeks professional help. Using a family-focused approach, and supporting parents to develop practical strategies to promote resilience in their children, can aid parents' recovery and promote the optimal...

OBJECTIVE Assessment of the benefits and limitations of a quality improvement programme based on total quality management principles in general practice over a period of one year (October 1993-4). DESIGN Questionnaires to practice team members before any intervention and after one year. Three progress reports completed by facilitators at four month intervals. Semistructured interviews with a ...

AIMS Preconception care (PCC) is care that aims to improve the health of offspring by addressing risk factors in the pre-pregnancy period. Consultations are recognized as a method to promote perinatal health. However, prospective parents underutilize PCC services. Uptake can improve if delivery approaches satisfy consumer preferences. Aim of this study was to identify preferences of women (cons...

UNLABELLED Prevalence of generalised anxiety disorders is widespread in Great Britain. Previous small-scale research has shown variations in minor tranquiliser prescribing, identifying several potential predictors of prescribing volume. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the relationship between general practice minor tranquiliser prescribing rates and practice population and general p...