Case stories in general practice: a focus group study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To explore the interactive process of sharing case stories in small-group activity in general practice.

Design

Qualitative focus group study.

Setting

Peer-group meetings of doctors attending specialist training or continuous medical education in general practice.

Participants

Twenty female and 30 male doctors working in general practice in Norway.

Results

The storyline of case presentations included detailed stories with emotional engagement, co-authored by other group members. The stories initiated discussions and reflections concerning patients' and doctors' perspectives, medical ethics as well as clinical problems. The safe atmosphere allowed testing out boundaries of socially shared knowledge.

Conclusions

Sharing case stories in small groups in general practice initiated interaction that facilitated meaning-making, reflection and peer support.

SUBMITTER: Abildsnes E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3425945 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature