An Argument to Give Family Physicians / GPs a Larger Role in Hospital Care

This article in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests a larger role for family physicians / GPs in hospital care.[1] It suggests that they should do rotations in which they work on the hospital staff. Alternatively, they should join ward rounds or visit patients in hospital. The suggested advantages are two-fold. Firstly, family doctors could influence care (for the better!) by advising hospital staff. Secondly, this contact would facilitate a smooth transition to the community after discharge. Aware of time constraints, they suggest virtual visits to the hospital through teleconferencing. The CLAHRC WM Director remains sceptical. Such an expanded hospital role for family doctors will be time-consuming even with teleconferencing, and the opportunity costs are not considered in the article.

— Richard Lilford, CLAHRC WM Director

Reference:

1. Goroll AH, & Hunt DP. Bridging the Hospitalist­–Primary Care Divide through Collaborative Care. N Engl J Med. 2015; 372(4): 308-9.