Lucy Fitzgerald, The University of Nottingham

General practice was refreshing as it didn’t cram all medical information about every disease into one book. Initially I found this strange but reading gave me a very detailed insight into the role of a GP and their surrounding team, their differences in communication and how to be most effective in consultations, and their responsibilities e.g. to review performance with audits. The chapter on screening and health promotion clarified terminology and concepts I found difficult to understand beforehand, whilst the prescribing chapter paid attention to useful technical detail. Chronic conditions are in an easy to read format, which is translatable for patient discussion. The ‘what the patient needs to know’ sections were particularly useful. The management of certain acute conditions were not described beyond the GP’s remit which I found frustrating. Overall a very detailed book for learning of the GP’s role within the health-care system, more so than a reference for clinical details.

Posted 1st Jul 2008