Abstract
General practitioners' (GPs') attitudes to child protection case conferences were explored in the belief that commonly cited practical reasons, such as inconvenient timing, fail to provide a complete explanation for poor participation. Twelve GPs took part in a preliminary investigation by telephone interview and a postal questionnaire was then sent to 112 GPs in the Nottingham area. The response rate was 100% for the preliminary study and 82% for the questionnaire. The postal survey showed that nearly half the respondents agreed there were too many other tasks of higher priority than case conference attendance, confirming that previously mentioned constraints alone did not account for poor participation. Contrary to previous research, issues such as confidentiality and parental attendance do not stop the majority of GPs contributing. Suggestions that might improve participation, such as facility to stay for the first half hour of a conference and guidance on content of reports, had favourable responses. It was concluded that it may be more fruitful to concentrate on improving report submission rate and content because of GPs' priorities. Improved education of GPs and social workers with respect to each other's roles and responsibilities would facilitate communication in case conferences. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Published Version
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