Principles of family medicine and general practice – defining the five core values of the specialty

Abstract

The principles of general practice and family medicine are the defining characteristics of the speciality. The five principles are: compassionate care - a caring attitude towards patients and their families shown as kindness and a desire to help; generalist approach - a perspective on the whole person and the context of illness including family, culture and society; continuity of relationship - the interpersonal bond of trust and respect between family physicians, patients, and their families that develops over the life course; reflective mindfulness- doctors' awareness of their thoughts and emotions manifested as a sense of presence and attentiveness towards self and others; and lifelong learning - a commitment to personal and professional development by participating in learning activities and practice-based research that leads to better patient outcomes. Concepts such as care coordination, preventive care, access to care, professional competence, resource management and community-based care, are part of the principles above. The term 'comprehensive care' is should be avoided as it misinterprets the scope of family medicine.