Tutorials in general practice - Michael G Mead

This book presents a series of tutorials that resulted from a debate between a trainer and a trainee in general practice, to find what the trainee needed to learn, what it was the trainer had to teach, and how this might be achieved. The aim is to give the reader a fundamental understanding of the conditions encountered in general practice and a summary of of the organization of health care in the UK. Each chapter contains an introductory paragraph giving basic information about the problem or symptom which can be obtained from a review of the literature, on the nature of the problem, its incidence and prevalence, and a comment on its significance. This is followed by a brief outline of a case as it is presented. The presentation is divided into steps and the tutorial discussion takes place as the problem unfolds. The tutorial emphasizes the history and examination thought to be relevant and discusses issues which were raised. Finally, where possible, the outcome of the case is recorded and a summary of the teaching points is given for any future revision. The second edition of this textbook contains two new chapters on the nature of the tutorial, and the GP's New Contract.