Multiple factors related to the immediate, local and broader contexts of care, together with overarching factors, influence its provision.

General practitioners believe that principles underlying Medical Homes may support whole-person care, but aspects of the current Health Care Homes trial could impede this whole-person approach.

General practitioners viewed the doctor–patient relationship as foundational to whole-person care, facilitating knowledge of the patient, trust and management.

The aim of this qualitative study was to determine how general practitioners understand whole-person care and its facilitators and barriers.