Whole-person care in general practice: the nature of whole-person care

Background and objectives: Whole-person care (WPC) is a core value of general practice and is particularly relevant with increasing population multimorbidity. However, WPC has lacked consensus definition, and some argue that it is not consistently practised. The aim of this study was to determine Australian general practitioners’ (GPs’) understanding of WPC and factors affecting its provision. This article (the first in a three-part series) describes GPs’ understanding of WPC. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 Australian GPs or general practice registrars and analysed using grounded theory methodology. Results: Four themes encapsulated GPs’ understanding of WPC: 1) treats patients as multidimensional persons; 2) length, breadth and depth of scope; 3) based on the foundation of a doctor–patient relationship; and 4) may involve team-based care. Discussion: WPC encompasses several defining characteristics of generalism. Previous evidence supports the efficacy of several of its dimensions. The current findings provide a basis for education, self-reflection and assessment of implementation and outcomes of WPCs