Personal Care and Teamwork: Implications for the General Practice-Based Primary Health Care Team

Abstract

Teamwork in general practice-based primary care (PHCT) is high on the agenda of many countries but exceptionally well developed in the UK. Nevertheless there are problems associated with the optimum development of teamwork. Continuity of care, out-of-hours care, communication needs and team size are chosen as focal issues in this paper. A case is made to support the concept of a generic ‘Core PHCT’ surrounded by specialised agencies holding a clear referral relationship with the Core PHCT. Size limitation on the Core PHCT is also proposed.

Key Words:

• Communication
• continuity
• general practice
• primary health care
• teamwork