Different approaches to understanding patients in general practice in Denmark: a qualitative study

TY - JOUR

T1 - Different approaches to understanding patients in general practice in Denmark: a qualitative study

AU - Davidsen, Annette Sofie

AU - Reventlow, S.

PY - 2011/6

Y1 - 2011/6

N2 - General practitioners (GPs) treat more than 90% of common mental disorders. Their approaches to psychological interventions have been little studied and their process of understanding patients remains unexplored. This qualitative interview and observation study aimed to explore Danish GPs' approaches to emotional problems and mental disorders in 'talking therapy' and in routine consultations. Different typical approaches were identified and could be described using the concept of mentalisation. Some participants used a basic reflective approach but no well-described method. Others were satisfied with the biomedical professional identity and did not engage in patients' emotional problems. The individual participant's approach in talking therapy was mirrored in routine consultations. Training a mentalising or reflective stance might promote more uniform therapeutic approaches to patients' emotional problems.

AB - General practitioners (GPs) treat more than 90% of common mental disorders. Their approaches to psychological interventions have been little studied and their process of understanding patients remains unexplored. This qualitative interview and observation study aimed to explore Danish GPs' approaches to emotional problems and mental disorders in 'talking therapy' and in routine consultations. Different typical approaches were identified and could be described using the concept of mentalisation. Some participants used a basic reflective approach but no well-described method. Others were satisfied with the biomedical professional identity and did not engage in patients' emotional problems. The individual participant's approach in talking therapy was mirrored in routine consultations. Training a mentalising or reflective stance might promote more uniform therapeutic approaches to patients' emotional problems.

KW - semrap-2011-2

M3 - Journal article

SN - 0306-9885

VL - 39

SP - 209

EP - 226

JO - British Journal of Guidance and Counselling

JF - British Journal of Guidance and Counselling

IS - 3

ER -