Health promotion in general practice

The therapeutic power of the doctor in initiating discussion on health concerns is greater than appreciated. Topics suitable for this approach include--smoking, drug abuse, obesity, contraception, breast self examination, Papanicolaou smears, cholesterol checks, diet, exercise, hormonal replacement therapy, immunisation, glaucoma checks, and so on. The only limit is the GP's imagination. This approach is not appropriate for every consultation, nor is it the only way to help patients modify their behaviour or learn healthier practices. It is, however, one simple but effective approach, and is available to any GP. Gill and Bauman emphasise that most GPs are ready to meet the challenge given by Taylor in 1982. "General practitioners and other health professionals providing primary care must take the main share of preventive medicine in the next decade." However, one handicap is a perceived lack of expertise by GPs themselves. This article emphasises that GPs can practise preventive medicine using the skills they already possess.