Art of General Practice

Five-star reviews:A Vade Mecum of General Practice "What parents and schools should ask potential Medical Students to read . Recommended by a GP reader." Amazon reviewerAs a pharmacy professional I loved this book "My own GP is what I would say as "old school", just as I am I hasten to add. Nothing wrong with old school - it is where you put the patient first, irrespective of time taken for a consultation or professional conversation. Where you put patient first above profit, targets and the never ending requirement for appraisals and CPD. In a recent conversation with my GP I mentioned that we check every table in a dosette tray, the response I received in response was, you check every tablet? Of course I replied even if there are 15 white ones! Every marking & size checked to ensure the patient gets the correct drug at the correct time. We looked at each other and commented that she had learn't something new that day and should she do some CPD on it? We chuckled and smiled and realised together that we are, although only in the 50-55 age bracket becoming the "old school" in this ever changing sectors of health care, that has over the last decade or two lost it way and is being run by accountants keeping their spreadsheets neatly aligned.It is not just GPs that are at risk of this, hospital consultants are the same, overworked, governed by non clinical processes that focuses on waiting times and targets and what we must always remember is this, regardless of the qualifications, the intellect of the professional that does not necessarily mean that common sense and proactive treatment is in an abundance. All health professionals should treat every patient just as they would want themselves to be treated or their nearest and nearest and that is a basic respect for another human being.This book was a refreshing one and I very much enjoyed reading it - I recommend it all, and especially junior doctors and trainee GPs, along with this advice - keep yourself human and be guided by not just your knowledge but also common sense, moral and ethical compasses." Amazon reviewerI really enjoyed reading this book "I am not a healthcare professional, but I have lots of experience as a patient! Its an easy read with short chapters, is full of wise advice and is written with a good dose of humour. It would be especially helpful for newly qualified GP's, but is an enjoyable read for patients too!" Amazon reviewerEasy and pleasant read by what would appear to be a dedicated GP "A delightfully written book by an experienced GP. A GP who is obviously sensitive to all of patient’s needs as well as his own. Hopefully he and other GPs will always have the desire to help others no matter what their circumstances, even if at times they have to put others medical needs before their own. He sounds a true professional doctor who would always help a person in need and lead by example." Amazon reviewerAn excellent read for newly qualified GPs "A smorgasbord of advice, anecdotes and humour make for a very enjoyable and helpful read. As a newly qualified GP I found the nuggets of advice very insightful and I will be recommending this to my peers!" Amazon reviewer

• SECTION 1 –  SOFT SKILLS1. Greeting the patient2. More greetings3. Routines4. One consultation, one problem5. Don’t say that!6. Only the lonely7. I second that emotion8. Seeing the world through the patient's eyes9. “Take (extra) care”10. Second opinions11. Silence and small talk12. Shared grief13. Dying to help14. It's all a game of chess15. The return of vinyl16. The best form of defence17. The best form of defence, part 2SECTION 2 –  LOOKING AFTER NUMBER ONE or STAYIN’ ALIVE18. Finding the sweet spot19. “I try to look after myself so I can look after you”20. I’m curious to know if you're curious21. Yes but…..22. Get off the bus23. Timing is everything24. Go off-piste25. Good connections26. Tools in the toolboxConclusion