TY - JOUR
T1 - Interpersonal relationships for patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A qualitative study of GPs' perceptions
AU - Crocker, Katie
AU - Chur-Hansen, Anna
AU - Andrews, Jane
PY - 2013/11
Y1 - 2013/11
N2 - Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder and general practitioners (GPs) are in the front line of care. Supportive interpersonal relationships are integral to successful management and prognosis of IBS. Yet GPs' perceptions of helping patients manage interpersonal problems are unknown. Method: Thirteen GPs (3 women, 10 men) participated in semi-structured interviews. The data were analysed thematically. Results Three main themes were identified. Most GPs had not actively considered that living with IBS could contribute to patients' interpersonal problems. GPs viewed interpersonal relationships as potentially triggering or exacerbating IBS symptoms. Their approach was to proactively identify interpersonal problems in order to manage the related symptoms. Discussion IBS is a chronic illness that is difficult to manage for patients and doctors alike. Recognising the potential interpersonal impact of IBS and referring patients to appropriate services where necessary could improve patient health outcomes as well as the doctor-patient relationship.
AB - Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder and general practitioners (GPs) are in the front line of care. Supportive interpersonal relationships are integral to successful management and prognosis of IBS. Yet GPs' perceptions of helping patients manage interpersonal problems are unknown. Method: Thirteen GPs (3 women, 10 men) participated in semi-structured interviews. The data were analysed thematically. Results Three main themes were identified. Most GPs had not actively considered that living with IBS could contribute to patients' interpersonal problems. GPs viewed interpersonal relationships as potentially triggering or exacerbating IBS symptoms. Their approach was to proactively identify interpersonal problems in order to manage the related symptoms. Discussion IBS is a chronic illness that is difficult to manage for patients and doctors alike. Recognising the potential interpersonal impact of IBS and referring patients to appropriate services where necessary could improve patient health outcomes as well as the doctor-patient relationship.
KW - General practitioners, interview
KW - Interpersonal relationships
KW - Irritable bowel syndrome
KW - Qualitative research
UR - http://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2013/november/ibs/
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84888412858&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Article
SN - 0300-8495
VL - 42
SP - 805
EP - 810
JO - Australian Family Physician
JF - Australian Family Physician
IS - 11
ER -