Trust In GP Research Articles

Predicting GP visits: A multinomial logistic regression investigating GP visits amongst a cohort of UK patients living with Myalgic encephalomyelitis

BackgroundMyalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is a chronic condition whose status within medicine is the subject of on-going debate. Some medical professionals regard it as a contentious illness. Others report a lack of confidence with diagnosis and management of the condition. The genesis of this paper was a complaint, made by an ME patient, about their treatment by a general practitioner. In response to the complaint, Healthwatch Trafford ran a patient experience-gathering project.MethodData was collected from 476 participants (411 women and 65 men), living with ME from across the UK. Multinomial logistic regression investigated the predictive utility of length of time with ME; geographic location (i.e. Manchester vs. rest of UK); trust in GP; whether the patient had received a formal diagnosis; time taken to diagnosis; and gender. The outcome variable was number of GP visits per year.ResultsAll variables, with the exception of whether the patient had received a formal diagnosis, were significant predictors.ConclusionsRelationships between ME patients and their GPs are discussed and argued to be key to the effective delivery of care to this patient cohort. Identifying potential barriers to doctor patient interactions in the context of ME is crucial.

Adolescent mental health problems, suicidality and seeking help from general practice: A cross-sectional study (Northern Ireland Schools and Wellbeing study)

BackgroundAdolescent mental health problems and suicidality appear to be increasing in Western countries but contact with health services remains stubbornly low. While social disadvantage is often implicated in aetiology and help-seeking, evidence on the relative contribution of school and family life factors is limited. We sought (a) to examine the prevalence and factors associated with mental health problems in adolescent boys and girls; and (b) to examine factors associated with trust and contact with GPs for mental health problems. MethodCross-sectional study of adolescent pupils in Northern Ireland ResultsHigh rates of mental health problems and suicidality were recorded, especially among females. While social circumstances do not influence mental health outcomes, factors of interest were atheist/agnostic beliefs and having a bedroom to oneself. While overall trust in GPs was high, more than 36% of the sample reported low trust. GP Trust was associated with positive home life factors. Importantly, adolescents with mental health problems including suicidality were much less likely to seek help. LimitationsCross-sectional data ConclusionsThis study confirms the high rates of mental health problems and suicidality among adolescents in Northern Ireland, particularly among young women. Those most in need of professional help appear least prepared to seek it. The influence of home life and environment on both poor mental health and trust and help-seeking from family doctors, is considerable and there is a need to find interventions that nurture appropriate levels of trust and help-seeking guidance for adolescents.

ETHICAL DIMENSIONS OF WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR MEDICAL CARE IN BULGARIA

Regardless of what both patients and medical professionals might think, nowadays there is no free medicine. The need of changing the pattern is emphasized and people should become more responsible for their own health. The aim is to find a connection between the trust in GPs, prophylactic check-ups, new methods of treatment and the willingness of patients to pay for the received medical services. Material and Method: A questionnaire was prepared for the purposes of the study. The methods utilized were a direct individual anonymous questionnaire, statistical – descriptive, analytical (Chi-square). The answers were examined and statistically processed according to age, gender and education level of the participants. Results: 1. The results regarding the trust in GP is very unconvincing – only 14,5 % believe in their GP. 2. The percentage of believers in prophylactic check-ups is high - 57,9%. 3.The percentage of those who believe in the new methods and means for treatment is high, over 80%, while no difference is found with respect to the patients’ education level. 4. The patients often (86%) pay for the treatment of a specialist. 5. People with higher education more readily pay for medical care. Conclusions: 1. The lack of trust in GP combined with the strong belief in prophylactic check - ups and the new methods for diagnostic and treatment of diseases lead to higher expectations of patients towards the medical services and their readiness to pay for these services. 2. The patients indicate readiness to pay for medical services which is a part of the patients’ readiness to take care for their own health.

Developing interventions for prevention of self-harm for British South Asian women: A qualitative study

IntroductionIt has been estimated that the global burden of suicide is a million deaths per year (WHO, 2014). Rates of self-harm in British South Asian (BSA) women are higher compared to their white counterparts. Limited evidence is available on effective preventative strategies and culturally sensitive interventions for these patients.ObjectiveTo understand common perceptions about self-harm, identify any barriers to accessing services and service improvement recommendations including appropriate interventions for BSA women.AimTo examine the views of health professionals on the culturally adapted problem solving therapy (C-MAP) in BSA women.MethodsThe design was a qualitative study using focus group discussion. This is part of a larger exploratory trial, to test a culturally adapted problem solving therapy (C-MAP) in British South Asian women who have a history of self-harm (Husain et al., 2011). Three focus groups were held with Asian lay members of the community, health professionals and service users. The data was analysed using a manual content analysis and indexing technique.ResultsResults showed lack of identification of self-harm by health professionals. Common self-harm methods reported were serious overdoses, use of household chemicals, burning and cutting. Lack of trust in GP s was one common reason for non-disclosure of self-harm behaviour. Need for increased awareness, working along with local Imams, better cultural sensitivity among health professionals and non-judgmental support were some solutions offered to address these barriers.ConclusionThe results of this study have provided insight into developing strategies to prevent and manage self-harm in British South Asian women.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

NCAA to assess GP trust performance

NCAA to assess GP trust performance