ABSTRACT
Modern general practice is a huge subject. There are five features which seem to characterize the practice of quality. They are: the cohesive practice, leadership and commitment, values and standards, capacity to implement, willingness to test against others. In the UK general practice is often equated with primary health care because almost every person in the country is registered with a general practitioner. For every general practice the ageing population will be a major factor in planning and implementing practice services. General practice is always likely to remain a low-technology user in medicine compared with the subspecialties, which tend to require ever more sophisticated equipment. Practices are being asked to ensure that the surgery is welcoming and friendly, with facilities for children, nursing mothers and the disabled. All practices can influence the nature and range of secondary care through their engagement with health authorities in the commissioning of care.
