'I know what to do but it's not possible to do it' - general practitioners' perceptions of their ability to detect psychological distress in their patients

Howe, Amanda (1996) 'I know what to do but it's not possible to do it' - general practitioners' perceptions of their ability to detect psychological distress in their patients. Family Practice, 13 (2). pp. 127-131. ISSN 1460-2229

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Abstract

Background: Accurate detection of psychological distress in patients is a prerequisite of specific diagnosis and active management. Studies have shown that improved detection is related to altered management and to improved patient outcomes: there may also be a link with improved patient satisfaction. Objective: Many factors in the doctor, patient, and context of the consultation may influence whether or not a GP identifies psychological distress in a patient; whatever the triggers to detection, it has been shown that specific training in appropriate skills can alter clinician behaviour and improve detection rate. This study examined the GPs' own perceptions of the influences on their performance as detectors of psychological distress. Method: A postal questionnaire yielded nineteen GPs who were personally interviewed for the study. Results and conclusions: The study highlights GPs' sense of the difference between possessing the necessary skills and employing them in daily practice. This has implications for training and clinical practice in this area.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Source:RK Note:
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Services and Primary Care
Depositing User:	EPrints Services
Date Deposited:	25 Nov 2010 11:12
Last Modified:	23 May 2024 14:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/14630
DOI:	10.1093/fampra/13.2.127

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