Research in general practice

Is needed to develop family medicine, not get embroiled in defining it

In the borderland between health, illness, and disease, general practice assumes a principal role in securing the smooth working of a complex health care system and satisfying the needs of patients, purchasers, and providers alike.1 2 Hence, research needs to draw on theories from humanities (psychology, philosophy, ethics), social sciences (sociology, anthropology), and the organisational sciences as well as medical science. Two recent British reports on research and development in general practice both recognise this need.3 4 A report from the Medical Research Council addresses the important research questions in general practice and covers the developments in infrastructure necessary to support the research. A report from an NHS working group complements this by suggesting strategic principles and specific objectives.

Both reports give comprehensive and well argued proposals for future research. These include biomedical research, such as clinical trials, morbidity surveys, and cohort studies, …