The FMCR Project's FM Clerkship/Post Clerkship Workgroup defined principles of family medicine in 2002 to help guide them in resource development. In March 2004, the Future of Family Medicine (FFM) Project published its final report ( Annals of Family Medicine; Supplement, March 2004 ). The principles below reflect an amalgamation of the similar concepts originally defined by the FMCR Project and those identified through the FFM Project.
Biopsychosocial Model |
Family medicine is based on a biopsychosocial model that is patient centered and teaches students to approach patients with sensitivity and responsiveness to culture, age, gender, and disabilities and develops their ability to collect and incorporate appropriate psychosocial, cultural, and family data into patient-centered management plans. |
Comprehensive Care |
Family medicine emphasizes the importance of caring for the whole person by providing opportunities for students to participate in longitudinal, integrated, preventive services and treatment of common acute and chronic medical problems for patients and families in all phases of the life cycle. |
Continuity of Care |
Family medicine values and promotes continuous healing relationships by providing a personal medical home for patients and their families and maintaining ongoing responsibility for the health care of patients and families and facilitating transitions between the primary care provider, referral agencies, and consultants. |
Context of Care |
Family medicine emphasizes the development of patient- and family-centered treatment plans that are evidence-based, safe, and designed to produce high- quality outcomes that enhance functional outcome and quality of life in a culturally responsive manner. |
Coordination / |
The family physician functions as the integrator of complex care and collaborates as a health care team member in disease management, health promotion, and patient education. |