ABSTRACT
Audit and education are two worthy activities which are used to maintain quality in a professional environment. The UK education is well established in general practice, with its network of postgraduate centres, advisers and tutors. As intimated, the distinctions that exist between primary and secondary care, for a long time rather fuzzy, are now almost totally defunct. In addition to achieving a balance within the various aspects of the hospital system, a balance also has to be found between hospital care and general practice. Hospitals are extremely expensive environments and their use should be restricted to patients who have an absolute need for their services. The general practitioner and the team may have an extended range of investigation skills such as endoscopy or ultrasonography, or an extended range of treatments such as minor surgery. General practice is usually capable of undertaking all follow-ups after specialist care, sometimes with the help of protocols.
