[New ways in caring for patients with functional syndromes - interdisciplinary group intervention in the primary care setting: a qualitative study]

Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol. 2013 May;63(5):167-75. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1323790. Epub 2013 Mar 8.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Interface problems between health care sectors hinder collaborative care in functional syndromes. The speciAL trial investigated a disorder-oriented group intervention conducted by the general practitioner (GP) and a psychosomatic specialist (PS) in the GP's office. To evaluate the GP-PS cooperation, our qualitative study analysed free text statements about collaborative group leading of all 18 intervention GPs. In the GPs' view, all sessions should structuredly be prepared and reviewed together for 20 min. Functions of the preparatory communication were gaining distance from daily business, attunement to the group and to each other, and preparing for the session topics. Functions of the communication after the sessions were professional exchange, reflection of the session and further treatment planning. The GPs saw the PS's role as a group leader and expert, their own role as a reference person for the patient, a link between all dimensions and a cotherapist. Crucial seemed a succeeding role splitting.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • General Practitioners
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Care / methods*
  • Patient Care Team / organization & administration*
  • Primary Health Care / methods*
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / therapy*
  • Syndrome