RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Primary care clinicians’ perspectives on interacting with patients with gynaecological conditions: a systematic review
JF BJGP Open
JO BJGP Open
FD Royal College of General Practitioners
SP BJGPO.2023.0133
DO 10.3399/BJGPO.2023.0133
VO 8
IS 1
A1 Briscoe, Simon
A1 Thompson Coon, Jo
A1 Melendez-Torres, G J
A1 Abbott, Rebecca
A1 Shaw, Liz
A1 Nunns, Michael
A1 Garside, Ruth
YR 2024
UL http://bjgpopen.org/content/8/1/BJGPO.2023.0133.abstract
AB Background Studies have found that women with gynaecological conditions and symptoms do not feel listened to by primary care clinicians (PCCs). Less understood is whether PCCs perceive that there are challenges around listening to and interacting with this patient group.Aim To understand PCCs’ perspectives on the challenges of listening to and interacting with women patients with gynaecological conditions and symptoms.Design & setting Systematic review of English-language studies.Method We searched ASSIA (Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Embase, HMIC (Healthcare Management Information Consortium), 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 that explored the challenges of patient–clinician interaction.Results We identified 25 relevant articles. Perceived challenges associated with listening to and interacting with patients with gynaecological conditions and symptoms were identified at four ‘levels’: individual clinician level factors; structural and organisational factors; community and external factors; and factors related to gynaecological conditions. Interpretive analysis identified specific challenges relating to sociocultural 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.Conclusion PCCs 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.