Article Figures & Data
Figures
- Figure 1. Pathways in GP consultations leading to patients’ coping with couple relationship problems.
Tables
- Table 1. Interview guide used in the individual interviews with patients about their experiences discussing couple relationship problems in GP consultations (2021–2022)
Interview guide Research project introduction: brief overview What is your experience regarding discussing your relationship with your GP?
Can you provide any specific examples?
How did the topic arise in your conversations?
What were your objectives when bringing up this topic?
What were your expectations from the doctor?
How did your GP handle the conversation?
In what situations do you believe it is pertinent to discuss relationship issues with your GP?
Could you share examples of specific instances where you found it relevant to discuss your relationship with your GP?
Have you ever wanted to address relationship concerns, but your GP did not provide an opportunity? Could you elaborate on what transpired in such cases?
What aspects do you find beneficial when meeting with your GP to discuss relationship problems?
What have been your experiences in discussing relationship problems involving children with your GP?
Can you provide instances where children were the focus of conversations when discussing relationship issues with your GP?
Do you have examples of situations where discussing child custody or childcare became relevant?
What role do you think the GP should assume concerning children and relationship problems?
What role do you believe your GP should play when patients experience relationship problems?
What are your expectations regarding their involvement?
Do you think GPs require enhanced competence in addressing relationship difficulties, and if so, in what areas?
What specific contributions do you hope your GP could make in addressing relationship problems?
- Table 2. Categories and subcategories identified as part of the systematic text condensation and most representative quotes from the in-depth interviews with patients about their experiences discussing couple relationship problems with their GP (2021–2022)
Categories Subcategories Quotes Participant characteristics GPs in a facilitating role, not on an assembly line Practical follow-up, the GP as a gateway or gatekeeper 'Yes, the GP is a junction point, or ... a place to go, and then they refer you to other specialists you need.' Participant 10, female, aged 61–70 years. Partners 'It is absolutely easier to bring this up in a GP consultation. Going to couples therapy is a very big step … So I think it would have been difficult to get him to come with me to that.' Participant 16, female, aged 61–70 years. Time squeeze or prioritising time ' … I think that in twenty years, that is what I am going to remember. That my GP gave me the last appointment for the day because she knew she had extra time then.' Participant 14, female, aged 51–60 years. Navigating the 'elephant in the room' A direct approach ' … my GP had a direct approach, challenging the validity of my assessments and questioning my responsibility for the problems …' Participant 7, female, aged 51–60 years. Engaged and interested GP 'That they have time and that they make time, that they are connected, that they are interested and concerned ... I value their interpersonal competence more than their theoretical expertise.' Participant 7, female, aged 51–60 years. What is normal? 'For him [the GP], as a man, I guess he is 45 years or something like that, things I have complained about, is really normal stuff. So, I have got feedback from my doctor that this, this isn’t something only you’re experiencing. Many people experience this. And I have known it. But still, it has been good to be comforted by my GP that this isn’t a crisis, then.' Participant 4, female, aged 41–50 years. The GP should see the whole picture ' … she was really good at diseases. But it didn’t seem like she was comfortable with me digging into stuff like this. When that happened, she became quite detached.' Participant 8, female, aged 61–70 years. GPs as biomedically competent life witnesses The GP as a life witness 'It is not okay when we are having a family party and he has been drinking on the quiet, you know. It is so embarrassing ... having couple relationship problems feels really lonely.' Participant 10, female, aged 61–70 years. In sickness and health, and through relationship problems ' … I get lots of support [from my GP] to stay at a rehabilitation institution for a period of time to achieve more energy I can bring back to make my couple relationship work better. This support has been really helpful to me.' Participant 15, female, aged 61–70 years. - Table 3. Demographic variables of the 18 participants attending a qualitative interview study about patients’ experiences from talking with their regular GP about couple relationship problems (2021–2022)
Variables n Missing % Median Minimum Maximum Age 18 0 45.5 32 66 31–40 years 5 27.8 41–50 years 6 33.3 51–60 years 1 5.6 61–70 years 6 33.3 Gender 18 0 Women 13 72.2 Men 5 27.8 Urban/Rural 18 0 Urban 10 55.6 Rural 8 44.4 Municipality 18 0 ≥10 000 inhabitants 15 83.3 <10 000 inhabitants 3 16.7 Self-rated health (Likert 1–5) 18 0 3 1 5 Very good (4, 5) 5 27.8 Good (3) 5 27.8 Poor (1, 2) 8 44.4 Education 18 0 High school 7 38.9 Higher education 11 61.1 Marital status 18 0 Married 9 50.0 Cohabitant 3 16.7 Divorced 5 27.8 Widow(er) 1 5.6 Current marital/cohabitant time 18 0 16 2 45 Not applicable 4 22.2 <5 years 3 16.7 5–20 years 4 22.2 >20 years 7 38.9 RSS in current relationship 13 5 4.6 2.2 6.0 RSS 5–6 5 RSS <5 8 Experienced divorce/break-up? 18 0 No 7 38.9 Yes, once 9 50.0 Yes, twice 2 11.1 The consultation was about… 18 0 …a former relationship 7 …the current relationship 11 The participant’s GP 17 1 Specialist 12 In specialisation 5 The GP’s patient list size 17 1 >1000 patients 11 ≤1000 patients 6 The GP’s gender 16 3 Male 9 Female 7 RSS = Relationship satisfaction scale.
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