ABSTRACT
Every day, primary-care practitioners are confronted by patients who present with new problems. In every consultation the family doctor draws on a body of knowledge which has been accumulating over many years. This knowledge, accumulated from previous research, forms the basis of a 'scientific approach' to the practice and delivery of medicine. Family doctors were formerly among the leaders of clinical research. Although it is true that many of the important research questions which affect general practice/family medicine could be tackled by those working within hospitals, there is a danger in extrapolating from results of studies carried out in such institutions. Research into hypertension is an example of how primary care can contribute vital information at each of the levels. Within a solo practice it may be possible to document the prevalence and incidence of hypertension.
