Patients' opinions of the use of psychiatric case-finding questionnaires in general practice.
BACKGROUND
The common mental disorders of depression and anxiety often remain undetected in general practice. Psychiatric screening instruments have been recommended to assist detection.


OBJECTIVE
To assess patients' attitudes towards the use of psychiatric screening questionnaires for common mental disorders within general practice.


METHODS
Twenty focus groups comprising 127 patients were conducted in Wales, UK. The groups were distinguished by age, sex and locality.


RESULTS
The majority of respondents felt that the use of a screening questionnaire was acceptable and would be willing to complete one within a general practice setting. However, a number of individuals expressed concern about the validity of the kinds of questions asked and the usefulness of the instrument in practice. Respondents also discussed their concerns relating to issues of confidentiality and the doctor's response to the assessment.


CONCLUSIONS
The study indicates that lay beliefs towards mental illness, particularly relating to perceived stigma, will continue to pose problems for the routine use of psychiatric case-finding questionnaires within general practice.
Wood
Fiona
F
Institute of Medical Genetics, Medicentre Unit 32, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff CF14 4XW, Wales, UK. fiona.wood@uhw-tr.wales.nhs.uk
Pill
Roisin
R
Prior
Lindsay
L
Lewis
Glyn
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003219:Confidentiality; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011287:Prejudice; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014852:Wales