Findings from a feasibility study to improve GP elicitation of patient concerns in UK general practice consultations

Previous research has shown that 40% of patients present in primary care consultations with more than one concern [1] and, when free to voice concerns are likely to initiate 2 –3 per visit [2–4]. However, whilst patients may attend with multiple concerns, questions from the GP such as “How can I help you today?” tend to elicit just a single concern [4,5]. This can leave patients with unvoiced concerns [6], which can be a problem for both patients and their health care provider. Research shows how unvoiced concerns can be associated with worsening symptoms, increased patient anxiety, the need for additional visits and poor patient satisfaction [1].

Source: Patient Education and Counseling - March 26, 2018 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Geraldine M. Leydon, Beth Stuart, Rachael H. Summers, Paul Little, Stuart Ekberg, Fiona Stevenson, Carolyn A. Chew-Graham, Lucy Brindle, John Heritage, Paul Drew, Michael V. Moore Source Type: research