'I still have no idea why this patient was here': An exploration of the challenges GP trainees experience when gathering information

E. Giroldi*, W. Veldhuijzen, T. de Leve, T. van der Weijden, H. Bueving, C. van der Vleuten

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Objective: Collecting information during patient encounters is essential for the delivery of patient-centered care. To obtain insight into areas that require more attention in medical communication training, this study explores what difficulties GP trainees encounter when gathering information.

Methods: In this phenomenological study, we observed a morning clinic of 15 GP trainees. To explore trainees' experiences with information-gathering, we held brief interviews after every consultation and a lengthier interview directly after the morning clinic. The resulting data were analyzed using template analysis.

Results: From trainees' reflections, we distilled five difficulties that trainees experience when gathering information: (1) Goal conflicts; (2) Ineffectiveness of trained communication skills in specific situations; (3) Trainees' distress hampers open communication; (4) Untrustworthy information; (5) Tunnel vision.

Conclusion: Information-gathering is difficult for GP trainees. Current generic communication skills training does not seem to support trainees sufficiently to handle effectively the challenges they encounter during consultations.

Practice implications: Medical communication training needs to support trainees in handling their goal-conflicts and feelings that hamper information-gathering, while also providing them with communication strategies adapted to handling specific challenging situations. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)837-842
Number of pages6
JournalPatient Education and Counseling
Volume98
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2015

Keywords

  • Doctor-patient communication
  • Information-gathering
  • General practice
  • Medical education
  • Qualitative research
  • OF-THE-LITERATURE
  • PRIMARY-CARE
  • COMMUNICATION-SKILLS
  • PHYSICAL-EXAMINATION
  • GENERAL-PRACTICE
  • CONTEXT FACTORS
  • ENCOUNTERS
  • GUIDELINES
  • CONSULTATIONS
  • DIAGNOSIS

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