Inquiry into the quality of general practice: health promotion

Health promotion and ill-health prevention are key government priorities, but it is widely recognised that most general practices could be more proactive in engaging with the wider public health agenda.

As the first point of NHS contact for most patients, general practice is in a unique position to promote the health and well-being of practice populations.

What did we explore?

To inform its work, the Inquiry panel commissioned a research project to examine the appropriate contribution of general practice to health promotion and ill-health prevention. A pro-active approach. Health promotion and ill-health prevention assesses what good-quality of care in this area might look like and how it might be measured. The paper's authors are Stephen Peckham, Reader in Health Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; Tammy Boyce, former Research Fellow (public health), The King's Fund; and Alison Hann, Tutor, Swansea University.

What have we learnt about health promotion?

In March 2010 the Inquiry held a seminar on health promotion and ill-health prevention with participants including GPs, practice nurses, NHS executives, health academics and patient representatives.

Key issues raised in discussion include:

• How can GPs engage with the wider social determinants of health?

• How should general practice, community nurses, health visitors and pharmacists best be deployed for effective health promotion?

• What balance should there be between universal and targeted health promotion in general practice?