General practitioners (GPs) treat all common medical conditions and refer patients to hospitals and other medical services for urgent and specialist treatment. They focus on the health of the whole person combining physical, psychological and social aspects of care.

Common procedures/interventions

• performing clinical examinations of patients to assess, diagnose and monitor a patient’s condition – these are wide-ranging and may involve the use of specialist equipment such as a stethoscope or otoscope (an instrument for examining the ear)
• carrying out tests within the surgery such as urine sample testing to assist with diagnosis
• interpreting findings from investigations such as blood tests to help reach a diagnosis
• using basic life support skills and emergency procedures such as defibrillation where necessary