ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part provides a detailed description and in-depth analysis of a particular form of service delivery. It looks at the development, regulation and activities of commercial deputising services and at the ways in which they are responding to changes in legislation and the growth of general practitioner (GP) co-operatives. The part describes the various models of co-operative organisation, management, infrastructure, working patterns and funding arrangements. It explores the role of the GP in hospital accident and emergency departments, the potential for developing the joint approach to care and the barriers which must be overcome before it is more widely adopted. The part concludes with a review of the care provided for specific groups of patients with particular needs, focuses on palliative care for people who are chronically or terminally ill, patients with mental health problems, the homeless and those from different cultural backgrounds.
