What evidence is there for the success or failure of the different methods used to influence the behaviour of general practitioners, whether in their work with patients, or in the organization of a practice?This preliminary exploration of the literature suggests that, although change is always occurring, its deliberate inducement is usually slow and laborious. Doubt is cast on the efficacy of existing financial incentives, and of unsolicited feedback about performance. There is little evidence for the influence of audit on behaviour but personal contact with doctors, nurses and other colleagues, and to a lesser extent with patients, is relatively effective, both in influencing the teamwork of a practice and in more formal education. However, it is combinations of different methods which most successfully influence general practitioners.