Health promotion in general practice: has the 1996 GP contract inspired or hindered effective health promotion by GPs in Nottingham?

Abstract

On 1 October 1996, a new health promotion scheme for general practice was introduced. This pilot study aimed to assess the health promotion activities undertaken in a number of Nottingham Health Authority general practices since the new scheme began. Interviews were carried out at a randomly selected sample of general practices between February and July 1997. There were many examples of innovative health promotion initiatives. Wide variations in involvement of health promotion activities within and across general practices were highlighted. Minimal evaluation of health promotion activities was evident. A need for greater guidance and support was identified to help primary care teams to propose, implement and evaluate health promotion activities effectively. This may be crucial to the development of the new health promotion arrangement in general practice which, at present, is still in its infancy.