Discussing alcohol use with the GP: a qualitative study.

Abstract

BackgroundDespite most GPs recognising their role in the early diagnosis of alcohol use disorder (AUD), only 23% of GPs routinely screen for alcohol use. One reason GPs report for not screening is their relationship with patients; questions regarding alcohol use are considered a disturbance of a relationship built on mutual trust.AimTo analyse the feelings and experiences of patients with AUD concerning early screening for alcohol use by GPs.Design & settingA qualitative study of patients (n = 12) with AUD in remission or treatment, recruited from various medical settings.MethodSemi-structured interviews were conducted, audiorecorded, and transcribed verbatim. The authors conducted an inductive analysis based on grounded theory. The analysis was performed until theoretical data saturation was reached.ResultsThe participants experienced AUD as a chronic, destructive, and shameful disease. The participants expected their GPs to play a primary role in addressing AUD by kind listening, and providing information and support. If the GPs expressed a non-judgmental attitude, the participants could confide in them; this moment was identified as a key milestone in their trajectory, allowing relief and a move toward treatment. The participants thought that any consultation could be an opportunity to discuss alcohol use and noted that such discussions required a psychological and benevolent approach.ConclusionThe participants felt fear or denial from the GPs, even though they felt that discussing alcohol use is part of the GP’s job. The participants requested that GPs adopt non-judgmental attitudes and kindness when approaching the subject of alcohol use.