Holism in primary care: the views of Scotland's general practitioners

Abstract

A holistic approach to care has traditionally been the central tenet of general practice in the UK. However, recent major changes in general practice may be diminishing the importance and/or deliverability of such an approach. We sought to explore the views of Scotland its causation (67% agreed), course (94% agreed) and reversal (69% agreed) 7.67); stress 4.9 (4.844.84); skills 4.2 (4.133.50)). In this survey Scotland’s principal GPs overwhelmingly endorse the traditional holistic approach of general practice and primary care, but feel that it is failing to be delivered due to organizational and time constraints, with consequent human and financial costs. These results give voice to deep concerns among GPs who remain committed to a holism they are struggling to deliver.