DISEASES - THE MORE COMMON THE LESS STUDIED (REPRINTED FROM FAMILY-PRACTICE, VOL 12, PG 84, 1995)

Due to large gaps in our knowledge of so-called 'common' diseases a scientific basis for their treatment is lacking. Patient care on a scientific basis and research are complementary. Present-day bureaucracy and policy on subsidies hamper the development of an adequate research policy. Trainees in general practice should be taught to think methodically and scientifically during their 3-year vocational training. A similar scientific attitude is essential within the GP networks with which departments of general practice co-operate and should be the point of departure in every GP's daily observations. The NHG (Dutch College of General Practitioners) should see to it that research shall become one of the basic tasks in general practice.