Search

The article explores some of the potential risk areas that exist at the interface between hospital care and general practice care in Great Britain. The work done in general practice and work done in hospitals during the early decades of the National Health Service is described. Commentators said that adverse clinical events result from poor communication. Suggestions that might reduce adverse outcomes are provided.

The author explains the process and pitfalls in general practice (GP). He stresses that GP is increasingly responsible for monitoring patients with chronic illnesses such as heart disease and hypertension. Doctors must complete at least four years postgraduate training before qualifying to be a GP. A GP often deal with uncertainty by using a number of consultations to collect information and observe progress of a condition before deciding whether to refer.