THE ROLE OF DUTCH GENERAL-PRACTITIONERS IN CLINICAL HEALTH PROMOTION

In this contribution it is argued that Dutch general practitioners (GPs) must make the transition from simply giving information to their patients, to providing them with medical education. Dutch GPs are in a prime position to contribute to the aims of health promotion. Instead of focusing health promotion on prevention, they should primarily promote the health of their patients, especially these patients with a chronic disease. In order to provide proper care for their disabled patients, they have to limit the time they spend on caring for people suffering from minor ailments. Again, this aim cannot be achieved by simply providing information. The patients have to overcome their reluctance to change their consultation behaviour, but the GPs also have to change their attitude by adopting new skills in order to influence their patients in this respect.