Focus groups as a path to clinical knowledge about the acutely and severely ill child.
OBJECTIVE
To identify elements of clinical information beyond the area of knowledge presented in medical textbooks, but used by the general practitioner when confronted with the acutely and severely ill child.


METHODS
Focus group approach.


METHODS
A course for teachers in General Practice at the Division for General Practice, University of Bergen, Norway.


METHODS
25 experienced general practitioners serving as clinical teachers at the Division for General Practice.


METHODS
Clinical descriptions arising from incident-based anecdotes and experiences.


RESULTS
Issues were reported concerning the doctor's emotional reactions, cues from the parents of the child, atypical contact between doctor and child, cognitive discrepancies, and difficulties in acting on cues.


CONCLUSIONS
This material identifies elements of tacit clinical knowledge which may provide a basis for further analysis and shared action.
Malterud
K
K
Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Norway.
Baerheim
A
A
Hunskaar
S
S
Meland
E
E
D000208:Acute Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety; D002648:Child; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003463:Cues; D004644:Emotions; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012720:Severity of Illness Index