Quality in Primary Care Open Access

Abstract

Challenges for primary care in the age of the autonomous patient

Mitzi Blennerhassett

Patient expectations of and concerns about health care have changed over recent years and now present new challenges to the primary care clinician. Involving patients and carers more widely in general practice services (and also medical education), and accepting their views is essential to achieving patient-centred services and is likely to enhance doctors’ standing in patients’ eyes.