Home care and the general practitioner

In the future more patients will be treated at home rather than in hospital. Proposed health-care systems have been developed into four scenarios. These have been termed the primary care network, primary care centre, transmural network and deconstruction. Whatever form it takes, home care must involve cooperation between patient, family and health service. A clear description of the duties of health professionals is needed, with clear documentation of who is responsible for specific care. The general practitioner's involvement should be based on specific care programmes to satisfy the patient's care needs.