ABSTRACT
A variety of descriptions of the meaning of pastoral work in primary care emerged. There was general agreement that being pastoral involves being supportive, caring, empathie and reassuring, and does not usually involve clinical medicine. It could include acting as someone to talk to while a life event is gradually worked through or being a shoulder to cry on. Advocacy and liaison are part of the role of the general practitioner in pastoral work. There is a general understanding that: ‘It’s easier to come to the doctor than to whatever other agency.’ Possibilities include volunteer organisations, such as CRUSE for bereavement, the Citizens Advice Bureau and other advice centres, and other professionals, such as clergy, social services, mental health teams including community psychiatric nurses, occupational and disability advisors and the legal profession. Feelings are mixed as to whether some of these agencies can fill the place of the general practitioner adequately, particularly given their lack of continuity of personnel sometimes.
