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An exploratory study of GP perceptions of the impact of a primary care counselling service on their practice

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posted on 2023-08-30, 13:28 authored by Tim Schafer, Geoffrey B. Amoateng, Nick Wrycraft
This paper presents the results of research into GP perceptions of the impact of on-site counselling on general practice. The research is part of a larger evaluation of a local enhanced primary care mental service. The initial survey and in-depth interviews with GPs reported here focused on the pre-existing counselling service. The results suggest that the benefits of on-site counsellors included reductions in prescribing, cost efficiencies and increased confidence amongst some GPs about providing psychological care themselves. These reported benefits appeared more likely to result when counselling service levels were perceived to be adequate and GPs were satisfied with their partnerships with the counsellors. The key mechanisms to explain the reported benefits were the provision of a safety net for GPs to extend their own practice, particularly when combined with close working relationships with the counsellor. The study has implications for the development of primary care mental health in the UK, particularly in relation to how the interface and working relationships between counsellors and GPs are designed and developed.

History

Refereed

  • Yes

Volume

37

Issue number

1

Page range

1-15

Publication title

British Journal of Guidance and Counselling

ISSN

1469-3534

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

File version

  • Accepted version

Language

  • eng

Legacy posted date

2010-11-09

Legacy creation date

2019-04-02

Legacy Faculty/School/Department

ARCHIVED Faculty of Health, Social Care & Education (until September 2018)

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