A horizontal image of a young male doctor sitting chatting to his patient. They are in a typically British doctor's practice chatting together, while he shows his patient her test results on the digital tablet.
In 2025, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Health of the Nation report once again underscores the critical role of preventive care in Australian general practice. Despite this, a recent paper in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) challenges this notion, suggesting that the current demands on general practitioners (GPs) necessitate a focus solely on acute care rather than preventive measures such as prescribing statins.
This provocative stance has sparked significant debate within the GP public health community, known for its typically measured responses. The RACGP Specific Interests Public Health channels have questioned whether the authors of the BMJ paper truly advocate for abandoning preventive efforts in light of the health system’s struggle with a surge in chronic diseases. For public health-oriented GPs, the answer is a resounding no.
The Value of Preventive Care
It is no secret that GPs face immense pressure in terms of time and resources. However, suggesting that preventive care should be sidelined reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of its value and the integral role it plays in general practice. Evidence consistently shows that GPs excel in delivering preventive care activities.
For instance, having an established relationship with a primary care provider is associated with increased uptake of preventive health measures. In Australia, the majority of childhood vaccinations, cervical screenings, and cardiovascular risk assessments are conducted through general practice. Additionally, behavioral interventions in primary care settings have been linked to reductions in smoking and improvements in physical activity.
Integrating Prevention in Practice
Working effectively with patients to maintain their health is a testament to the strength of a longitudinal relationship with a trusted GP. Although patients rarely book appointments specifically to discuss wellness, GPs must capitalize on opportunistic moments during acute care visits to address overall health concerns.
Consider the scenario of treating a patient for acute gastroesophageal reflux. It would be remiss not to counsel them on weight reduction and alcohol intake, both of which could mitigate their future cardiovascular risk. Similarly, when a patient requests a repeat antidepressant prescription and mentions upcoming travel to Tanzania, it is crucial to recommend appropriate travel vaccinations.
“Trusting long-term clinical relationships are the foundation of difficult conversations about behavior change, risk management, and wellbeing.”
Moving Forward: Enhancing Preventive Care
The question is not whether preventive care should be integrated into general practice, but how to do so most effectively. There is a substantial body of literature on systematically incorporating preventive health into general practice. Recognizing the time and skill required, as well as providing access to allied health services, would be a promising starting point.
The Health of the Nation report reveals that 99% of GPs offer preventive services, and 84% express a desire to provide even more. This reflects a deep-seated belief that prevention is inseparable from general practice and should be a source of pride and professional fulfillment.
“After all, it’s generally more effective, both from a cost and a human suffering point of view, to put a fence at the edge of the cliff than to keep adding ambulances to the bottom.”
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the integration of preventive care within general practice remains a vital component of ensuring the well-being of the population. The ongoing dialogue among healthcare professionals will undoubtedly shape the future of preventive care, reinforcing its role as the cornerstone of effective and compassionate healthcare delivery.
