Abstract
Exploring deep GP patient relationships: a qualitative study with GP-patient dyads
Australian Journal of Primary Health, Vol.29(4), pp.iv-lxxxii
Australasian Association of Academic Primary Care (Melbourne, Australia, 17/08/2023–18/08/2023)
08/2023
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Abstract
Background: General practitioner (GP)-patient relationships are the basis of general practice whole person care and improve patient outcomes. Further work is needed to better understand the nature, experience and cultivation of deep GP-patient relationships, to strengthen primary care.
Aim/Objectives: To further understanding of how deep GP-patient relationships are experienced and cultivated, from both GP and patient perspectives.
Methods: Qualitative thematic design. Participating GPs’ patients were surveyed regarding depth of relationship with their GP. Patients reporting deep relationships were purposively selected for interview. Separate interviews were conducted with patients and their GPs, regarding how they experience and cultivate the GP-patient relationship. Interview participants completed a survey regarding their attachment style and (for patients) the person-centredness of their GP's practice. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.
Findings: Five GPs and 13 patients were interviewed. Analysis yielded themes regarding the nature, experience, outcomes and cultivation of deep GP-patient relationships. These relationships were asymmetrical, professional, underpinned by ‘real (authentic, genuine) relationship’ and trust. They showed some features of ‘attachment relationships’ (as described in psychological literature). In deep relationships, patients experienced a sense of being valued; safety, comfort and support; and empowerment. Such relationships came at significant personal cost to GPs, yet also provided professional satisfaction. Both GPs and patients played a role in cultivating, and reported multiple positive outcomes of, deep relationships. However, such relationships were not universal; patients recounted negative experiences with previous GPs, and multiple factors
influenced GPs’ degree of relational investment.
Implications: These findings support existing evidence that deep GP-patient relationships underpin strong primary care practice. By describing their nature, this study clarifies a construct that is implicitly valued by GPs and patients, thereby informing advocacy. It also delineates specific conditions and actions to foster relationships, informing policy and training to strengthen primary care and support GP and patient wellbeing.
Details
- Title
- Exploring deep GP patient relationships: a qualitative study with GP-patient dyads
- Creators
- Hayley Thomas - University of QueenslandJohanna Lynch - University of QueenslandEmily Burch - University of QueenslandMegan Best - University of Notre DameLauren Ball - University of QueenslandElizabeth Sturgiss - Monash UniversityNancy Sturman - University of Queensland
- Publication Details
- Australian Journal of Primary Health, Vol.29(4), pp.iv-lxxxii
- Conference
- Australasian Association of Academic Primary Care (Melbourne, Australia, 17/08/2023–18/08/2023)
- Publisher
- CSIRO Publishing
- Identifiers
- 991013332728202368
- Copyright
- © 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)).
- Academic Unit
- Allied Health and Midwifery; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Abstract