Primary care clinicians’ perspectives on interacting with patients with gynaecological conditions: a systematic review

Background Studies have found that women with gynaecological conditions and symptoms do not feel listened to by primary care clinicians. Less understood is whether primary care clinicians perceive that there are challenges around listening to and interacting with this patient group.

Aim This study aims to understand primary care clinicians’ perspectives on the challenges of listening to and interacting with women patients with gynaecological conditions and symptoms.

Design & setting Systematic review

Method We searched ASSIA, CINAHL, Embase, HMIC and MEDLINE from inception to July 2023. We also conducted forward and backward citation searches of included studies. Identified records were screened independently by two reviewers. Data-extraction was undertaken by one reviewer and checked by a second. Quality appraisal used the Wallace checklist. “Best-fit” framework synthesis was used to synthesise findings around themes which explore the challenges of patient-clinician interaction.

Results We identified 25 relevant papers. Perceived challenges associated with listening to and interacting with patients with gynaecological conditions and symptoms were identified at four ‘levels’: Individual clinician factors; structural and organisational factors; community and external factors; and factors related to gynaecological conditions. Interpretive analysis identified specific challenges relating to socio-cultural factors affecting the consultation experience; the need for further education, training or guidance for clinicians; factors affecting referral decisions; and factors related to service structure and organisation.

Conclusions Primary care clinicians acknowledge that empathy, respect and attentive listening are important when interacting with women patients with gynaecological conditions and symptoms. However, these ideals are impeded by several factors.