Generalism in Clinical Practice and Education

Abstract

Generalism is a key approach to healthcare organisation and delivery that enables person-centred, dynamic and cost-effective patient care. With its emphasis on adaptability, generalism requires expansive, nurturing and personalised approaches to clinical education in which a generalist attends to and explores patient priorities when problem-setting and co-creating management plans.

Generalism in Clinical Practice and Education outlines a generalist philosophy of practice which is brought to life through interleaved examples. Written by a range of international clinicians, patients and academics, this book does not prescribe one ‘right’ way to do generalism. Rather, it seeks to inspire readers’ future engagement with generalism in practice and learning through sharing underpinning concepts, values and principles. This ‘big picture’ attention to generalism across public health, social determinants of health and clinical care is at the heart of sustainable and efficient use of resources to prioritise those in need. The book explores four key principles which in practice aim to achieve creative, inclusive and agile approaches to clinical care. The goal is to support generalism in clinical practice and education, and to produce clinical practitioners and learners that enjoy, embrace and enhance future clinical care.

Praise for Generalism in Clinical Practice and Education

As countries around the globe tackle meaningful reforms of their struggling health systems, a focus on the benefits of generalism in healthcare delivery is essential. This wonderful new book shares insights on how to strengthen generalism across all aspects of health care, to the benefit of individuals and communities (and health systems) everywhere.' Professor Michael Kidd, University New South Wales and University of Oxford and Past President of WONCA (World Organisation of Family Doctors).

'The clinical generalist is in danger of becoming extinct. This book explains, from both theoretical and practical perspectives, why we should not let that happen.' Professor Trisha Greenhalgh, University of Oxford

'This book extends the discourse about the importance of generalism in healthcare to a new depth and breadth. It is an extensive and scholarly application of the concept into practical action across the educational and healthcare system. Whether taking a formal academic approach to curriculum and outcomes of training, or flipping to the perspective of the community and its empowerment, this text has something new to offer. Its contents add impact to a crucial set of choices, and will help its application at many levels. Well done to all involved.' Professor Amanda Howe, University of East Anglia; Past President of the Royal College of General Practice; Past President WONCA (World Organisation of Family Doctors)

'This wonderful book is a veritable festival of generalism and education. The passion, principles and expertise of the authors radiates out from the pages. It is a perfect stimulus to enthuse and sustain a new generation of generalists, educators and scholars (ideally all three, together).' Karen Mattick, University of Exeter and President of the Association for the Study of Medical Education (ASME), as well as Deputy Editor for the Journal of Medical Education

'An authoritative and comprehensive guide to Generalism for clinicians and educators. This book will help the movement of Generalism into everyday clinical practice. The emphasis on Generalism being for all clinicians in all disciplines is well made throughout.' Professor Steve Turner, Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital

'This book is a celebration of generalism in medicine, a vitally important concept that the medical profession loses at its peril. The advances in specialty medicine have been spectacular over the years, but I, for one continue to be proud to call myself a general physician with a specialty interest. Most of the people we see and support have more than one condition, and benefit hugely from a generalist approach. Congratulations to Sophie Park and colleagues for reminding us'. Professor Dame Jane Dacre, General Physician and Rheumatologist and Past President of the Royal College of Physicians.

'To become a generalist doctor is to open yourself up to an endlessly fascinating and rewarding career. It's a privilege to get to know your patients whatever their problem, using medical science in the service of kindness, and understanding patients' social context. UK primary care manages 90% of NHS encounters with patients with only 9% of the funding – Generalism in Clinical Practice and Education shows that with just a little more funding, General Practice could transform the health of the nation.' Gavin Francis, GP and author