General Practice

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What is it?

Information
  • General practitioners diagnose and treat common medical conditions.
  • Provide referrals to specialists when needed.
  • They manage long-term health conditions and care.
  • Offer preventative care, screenings, and health advice.

Here's more detail

Published: 05/09/24

Description

General practice is a branch of medicine that provides primary healthcare to individuals and families in the community. General practitioners (GPs) are usually the first point of contact for patients, offering a wide range of medical services.

This includes diagnosing and treating common illnesses, managing chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma, providing preventative care such as vaccinations and health screenings, and referring patients to specialists when needed. GPs also build long-term relationships with patients, offering continuity of care over time​

General practice focuses on holistic, patient-centered care, addressing not just physical health but also mental and social well-being. Doctors can provide initial assessment, diagnosis, and management of mental health conditions and they can prescribe medications if necessary. GPs will often refer patients to mental health specialists for more specialised care.

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Voice

Patients need listening to. They have often been through so much in their lives and they need to lay it all out on the table and be heard for the first time. I feel it is an important part of their recovery that they are able to talk about the things that have happened to them. 

- GP sharing their experience of working with patients’ mental health

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  • What does a GP do?

    A general practitioner (GP) provides comprehensive healthcare by diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions, offering preventive care, managing chronic illnesses, performing routine check-ups, and referring patients to specialists when needed. They also provide advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and can address both physical and mental health concerns.

  • What can a GP help with?

    Your GP should usually be your first point of call for all medical questions. This includes physical and mental health concerns. Your GP will  treat all common medical conditions. If you require urgent or specialist treatment, they can refer you to hospitals or other medical services. They focus on the health of the whole person combining physical, psychological and social aspects of your care.

    If you speak to your GP about your mental health concerns, they can:

    • Ask questions about your feelings and thoughts that may help you better understand what you are going through and what support is available.
    • Offer you medication if it’s appropriate and/or free talking therapies.
    • Recommend simple lifestyle changes that can improve your mental health.
    • Invite you back for another appointment in a few weeks’ time to see how you’re doing. They may refer you to a specialist if they think that would be more helpful.

  • What training does a GP have?

    A GP is a medically-qualified practitioner who will have spent 5-6 years training to be a doctor. GPs they complete additional training that usually takes 3 years. 

professional body

The Royal College of General Practitioners

is the professional membership body for GPs in the UK
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Despite how difficult it is for me to discuss the nature of one of my conditions, I felt understood and professionally listened to.
Anonymous
[My GP] told me if I have any bad thoughts I should ring them. Whenever I speak to them to renew my prescription, the doctor always asks me how I’m feeling… he’s been really supportive.
Anonymous

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