What happens when doctors are patients? Qualitative study of GPs.
BACKGROUND
Current evidence about the experiences of doctors who are unwell is limited to poor quality data.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate GPs' experiences of significant illness, and how this affects their own subsequent practice.


METHODS
Qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis to conduct and analyse semi-structured interviews with GPs who have experienced significant illness.


METHODS
Two primary care trusts in the West of England.


METHODS
A total of 17 GPs were recruited to take part in semi-structured interviews which were conducted and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis Results: Four main categories emerged from the data. The category, 'Who cares when doctors are ill?' embodies the tension between perceptions of medicine as a 'caring profession' and as a 'system'. 'Being a doctor-patient' covers the role ambiguity experienced by doctors who experience significant illness. The category 'Treating doctor-patients' reveals the fragility of negotiating shared medical care. 'Impact on practice' highlights ways in which personal illness can inform GPs' understanding of being a patient and their own consultation style.


CONCLUSIONS
Challenging the culture of immunity to illness among GPs may require interventions at both individual and organisational levels. Training and development of doctors should include opportunities to consider personal health issues as well as how to cope with role ambiguity when being a patient and when treating doctor-patients. Guidelines about being and treating doctor-patients need to be developed, and GPs need easy access to an occupational health service.
Hope House Surgery, Radstock.
Fiona
F
Fox
Michael
M
Harris
Gordon
G
Taylor
Karen
K
Rodham
Jane
J
Sutton
Brian
B
Robinson
Jenny
J
Scott
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010815:Physician Impairment; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010821:Physicians, Family; D011364:Professional Practice; D012650:Self Disclosure