Dataset Information

General practitioners' experiences of providing somatic care for patients with severe mental illness: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Patients dealing with severe mental illnesses (SMI) often face suboptimal clinical outcomes and higher mortality rates due to a range of factors, including undetected physical health conditions. The provision of care for individuals with SMI is frequently disjointed, as they engage with diverse healthcare providers. Despite this fragmentation, primary care, particularly general practitioners (GPs), assumes a pivotal role in the care of SMI patients. Our study aimed to delve into the first-hand experiences of GPs in delivering somatic care to SMI patients, concentrating on the challenges they encounter and the strategies they employ to navigate these difficulties.

Methods

We conducted in-depth interviews with fifteen GPs, utilizing a semi-structured interview guide, supplemented by ethnographic observations during clinical consultations in general practice. Through inductive coding, interview transcripts and observational field notes were systematically analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The findings were then deliberated upon within the author group.

Results

GPs revealed that managing the chronic somatic care of SMI patients posed significant challenges. These challenges encompassed the multifaceted needs of patients, their behavior tied to symptoms, a lack of care continuity, and overarching time constraints. To tackle these challenges, the GPs had devised various strategies. However, all participants underscored the critical importance of having adequate time to properly prepare for, conduct, and follow up on consultations.

Conclusion

The GPs' interactions with SMI patients brought numerous challenges, although treating these patients were concurrently acknowledged as vital and fulfilling. The findings suggest that increased allocated time in general practice consultations for patients with SMI is important to support the somatic treatment requirements of this patient group.

SUBMITTER: Jonsson ABR

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10958876 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

General practitioners' experiences of providing somatic care for patients with severe mental illness: a qualitative study.

Jønsson Alexandra Brandt Ryborg ABR Brodersen John Brandt JB Reventlow Susanne S Svanholm Christina C Møller Anne A Kousgaard Marius Brostrøm MB

BMC primary care 20240322 1

<h4>Background</h4>Patients dealing with severe mental illnesses (SMI) often face suboptimal clinical outcomes and higher mortality rates due to a range of factors, including undetected physical health conditions. The provision of care for individuals with SMI is frequently disjointed, as they engage with diverse healthcare providers. Despite this fragmentation, primary care, particularly general practitioners (GPs), assumes a pivotal role in the care of SMI patients. Our study aimed to delve in ...[more]

PMID: 38519880

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Dataset Information

General practitioners' experiences of providing somatic care for patients with severe mental illness: a qualitative study.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

General practitioners' experiences of providing somatic care for patients with severe mental illness: a qualitative study.

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