How to learn skilled communication in primary care MUS consultations: a focus group study
Publication year
2021Source
Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, 39, 1, (2021), pp. 101-110ISSN
Publication type
Article / Letter to editor

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Organization
Primary and Community Care
Radboudumc Extern
Journal title
Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care
Volume
vol. 39
Issue
iss. 1
Page start
p. 101
Page end
p. 110
Subject
Radboudumc 18: Healthcare improvement science RIHS: Radboud Institute for Health SciencesAbstract
BACKGROUND: Many general practitioners (GPs) experience communication problems in medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) consultations as they are insufficiently equipped with adequate communication skills or do not apply these in MUS consultations. OBJECTIVE: To define the most important learnable communication elements during MUS consultations according to MUS patients, GPs, MUS experts and teachers and to explore how these elements should be taught to GPs and GP trainees. METHODS: Five focus groups were conducted with homogeneous groups of MUS patients, GPs, MUS experts and teachers. MUS patients and GPs formulated a list of important communication elements. MUS experts identified from this list the most important communication elements. Teachers explored how these elements could be trained to GPs and GP trainees. Two researchers independently analysed the data applying the principles of constant comparative analysis. RESULTS: MUS patients and GPs identified a list of important communication elements. From this list, MUS experts selected five important communication elements: (1) thorough somatic and psychosocial exploration, (2) communication with empathy, (3) creating a shared understanding of the problem, (4) providing a tangible explanation and (5) taking control. Teachers described three teaching methods for these communication elements: (1) awareness and reflection of GPs about their feelings towards MUS patients, (2) assessment of GPs' individual needs and (3) training and supervision in daily practice. CONCLUSION: Teachers consider a focus on personal attitudes and needs, which should be guided by opportunities to practice and receive supervision, as the best method to teach GPs about communication in MUS consultations.KEY POINTSMany GPs experience difficulties in communication with patients with MUS.There is a need to equip GPs with communication skills to manage MUS consultations more adequately.Role-playing with simulation patients, reflection on video-consultations and joint consultations with the supervisor may increase the GPs' awareness of their attitude towards MUS patients and may help GPs to identify their individual learning-points.
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- Academic publications [204996]
- Electronic publications [103294]
- Faculty of Medical Sciences [81051]
- Open Access publications [71819]
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