RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 What role for the general practitioner in child protection? JF British Journal of General Practice JO Br J Gen Pract FD British Journal of General Practice SP 977 OP 981 VO 50 IS 461 A1 C Lupton A1 N North A1 P Khan YR 2000 UL http://bjgp.org/content/50/461/977.abstract AB BACKGROUND: New government guidance on cooperation in child protection confirms the importance of the general practitioner (GP) contribution. While research highlights the concerns of others about their role in the multi-agency process, relatively little is known about the views and experiences of GPs themselves. AIM: To examine the understanding that each of the key professional groups had of its own and each other's roles in child protection to identify those factors seen to enhance or inhibit the effective performance of these roles. METHOD: The research formed part of a larger investigation of the role of health professionals in child protection, which combined case study investigations of child protection networks in three health authority sites with a regional survey of Area Child Protection Committee members. RESULTS: A lack of correspondence was identified between GPs' perception and performance of their role in child protection and the expectations placed upon them by other child protection professionals and government guidance. CONCLUSION: The study identifies the need for more explicit discussion of the nature and extent of the GP role in local interagency child protection networks.