Objective: To explore the view of schizophrenic patients regarding the role of general practitioners (GPs) in outpatient psychiatric care.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 20 schizophrenic patients were tape-recorded. Using the software Atlas.ti, the data were analysed according to the model of inductive category development (Mayring, 1995).
Results: Nearly all patients regarded the GPs as doctors "for the body" and--in contrast--the psychiatrists as doctors "for the soul". At the same time, an appointment with a GP was perceived as less embarrassing and stigmatising. Patients consulted their GP mainly because of somatic complaints or to receive follow-up prescriptions for their antipsychotic medication. They liked to get a "second opinion" regarding medical decisions by GPs. Some patients wished to have more consultation time with their GP to discuss psychological problems.
Conclusions: Schizophrenic patients appreciate the distinction, and the choice, between different medical specialties. Primary care offers services with an exceptionally low threshold for schizophrenic patients because consultations with a GP are to a lesser degree perceived as embarrassing or stigmatising.