Health inequalities in general practice

The higher burden of disease associated with low socioeconomic status is an every day challenge faced in general practice. General practitioners can make an important difference to these inequalities in health by being aware of the importance of patients socioeconomic background, identifying groups of disadvantaged patients in their practice population and targeting efforts to improve preventive care coverage and quality chronic disease management to those groups. Divisions are important to this work. The profession also has an important role in advocating on behalf of disadvantaged communities, and joining with other health workers and professions in doing so.