Health policy
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The system of primary care in the UK National Health Service appears to have become popular amongst policy makers worldwide. This is surprising given the poor knowledge base regarding the care provided and its cost effectiveness. ⋯ Initiatives such as the UK general practice fundholding scheme, the general practitioner contract and the Health of the Nation targets were not based on empirical evidence and have not been subject to adequate evaluation. If health care reforms elsewhere are to include emphasis on primary care, policy goals must be clearly articulated and the knowledge base informing efficient delivery of primary care must be improved.