Protecting generalism: Moving on from evidence-based medicine?

Abstract

Quality of decision making in modern health care is defined with reference to evidence-based medicine. There are concerns that this approach is insufficient for, and may thus threaten the future of, generalist primary care. We urgently need to extend our account of quality of knowledge use and decision making in order to protect and develop the discipline. Interpretive medicine describes an alternative framework for use in generallst care. Priorities for clinical practice and research are Identified. ©British Journal of General Practice.