Talking about psychosocial problems: an observational study on changes in doctor–patient communication in general practice between 1977 and 2008.

Objective: To examine whether GPs’ communication styles have changed since the introduction and implementation of clinical guidelines for psychosocial problems in Dutch general practice in the 1990s. Methods: From a database of 5184 consultations videotaped between 1977 and 2008, 512 consultations assessed by GPs as ‘completely psychosocial’ were coded with RIAS (Roter Interaction Analysis System). The 121 consultations prior to and 391 consultations after implementation of guidelines were analyzed whether communication styles have changed over time. Results: We found that GPs were more likely to consider consultations to be mainly (17%) or completely (12%) psychosocial after the implementation of guidelines. They gave more biomedical and psychosocial information and advice in the second period compared to the first period. We also found that empathy decreased over time (frequency of empathic statements by GPs changed from 2.9–3.2 to 1.4–1.6 between periods). Conclusion: Communication in psychosocial consultations has changed; GPs have become more focused on task-oriented communication (asking questions, giving information and advice) and less on showing empathy. Practice implications: GPs face the challenge of integrating an evidence-based approach of applying guidelines that promote active symptom exploration with understanding patients’ personal contexts and giving room to their emotions. (aut. ref.