Two HEADSSS are better than one - a biopsychosocial screening tool for use when treating other doctors.
BACKGROUND
This is the fourth article in a series exploring issues involved in treating other doctors. The first article discussed potential barriers faced by doctors when seeking medical care for themselves. The second article looked at strategies for minimising these barriers before the consultation takes place, and the third explored strategies for use during a consultation when the patient is another doctor.


OBJECTIVE
In this article, a model for a biopsychosocial screening tool for use as a prompt when treating other doctors is discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
Many of the challenges involved in doctors treating other doctors revolve around communication, not only what is said, but also what remains unsaid. It can be tempting for the treating doctor to collude with the patient doctor resulting in less than ideal medical care. Use of a biopsychosocial screening tool and normalising the process of asking questions on potentially sensitive topics can reduce the risk of collusion.
Koppe
Hilton
H
North Coast GP Training, and a general practitioner, Lennox Head, New South Wales, Australia. hiltonkoppe@optusnet.com.au
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011584:Psychology; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D016896:Treatment Outcome