Professionalism and the quality framework.

BACKGROUND: As the visible manifestation of a profession's culture and values, medical professionalism is under increased pressure to play its part in quality improvement. OBJECTIVE: This article describes the role of professionalism within The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Quality Framework for Australian General Practice. DISCUSSION: Efforts to influence or change the culture of medical professionals can be met with resistance, often driven by the professional's own uncertainty regarding the need for change. Quality improvement approaches that focus on professionalism need support at all levels, from setting of care through to national initiatives.