Encouraging a focus on compassionate care within general practice/family medicine

Although the concept of compassion is frequently referred to within the health care arena and is closely associated with medical performance, it does not yet appear to have received its central role when the definition of GP/FM as discipline of health cares services. The inclusion of compassionate care as a key subject in the medical curriculum and the training programmes for residents may have an impact in its global consideration for the incorporation of additional skills in the capacity of GPs. GPs – often being the first point of contact for a number of health related issues - could make a major contribution in terms of delivery, and research into the importance concept of compassionate care.