The family as the object of care in family practice.

Family practice as a specialty is based upon the continuing and comprehensive care of families. Much emphasis has been placed upon care of the "whole-person" and the family, but actual practice still reflects a predominant focus on the individual, rather than the family, as the object care. There is an important conceptual and practical difference between caring for the individual in the context of the family and caring for the family itself as the patient. Both approaches are required for family medicine to realize its potential in the ongoing care of families. This paper outlines some useful concepts and principles which can help to increase the capability of family physicians to deal with the common problems of individuals and their families.