Hva kan jeg hjelpe deg med? En studie fra 201 observasjoner av konsultasjoner i allmennpraksis

Background There has been done few studies on the subject of the complexity of consultations i a general practitioner s office. Some have done research on the number of problems adressed during a concultation. There has however been little research done on the nature of the problems adressed. Objective The purpose of this study was to describe the complexity of the problems raised at a GP s office. We also wanted to examine what patients regard as the most important factor when they go to see their GP. Methods This is a cross-sectional study, which involves observations of consultations in general practice. We registered the number of problems adressed, the nature of the problems, who intitiated to talk about the problem and if handling of the problem was postponed. We also used questionnaires to ask patients what they found to be most important when seeing their GP. Results We observed 201 consultations. On average, 2,6 problems were observed during an encounter. In almost one fourth of the consultations, more than three problem were adressed. At least one psychic problem was raised in over one fourth of the consultations. Females raised more problems compared to men. There was also a positive relationship between age and number of problems addressed. We collected 177 answered questionnaires. Patients regard it as most important to be able to talk about all their problems during a consultation. Conclusion It is common to address multiple problems during consultations at the GP s office. The problems are often not medically related. Patients regard it as important to talk about all their problems. This requires a unique competence of the GP. Our findings will have implications for future research on general practice and in the education of GPs