Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
2.7
2.8
Journals
Healthcare
Special Issues
Expanding Competency of Primary Health Care: Emotional and Bio-Social Meanings...
share announcement

Expanding Competency of Primary Health Care: Emotional and Bio-Social Meanings for General Practice Consultation

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Community Care".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2024 | Viewed by 21259

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Emmanouil Symvoulakis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
Interests: primary health care; general practice; family medicine; cardio-metabolic morbidity; chronic diseases; healthcare services; primary care; health systems research; health determinants; systematic reviews; skills and competency

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Within research methodologies, it is always challenging to answer questions and dilemmas that we consider ‘easy’ or expected during our discussions or consultations as general practitioners. The primary care environment is a gate of “events” flow, acting as the interface between real-life data and bio-clinical information. There is a risk that one component may prevail over the other, affecting management output. Able doctors in primary care are those who can link emotional, social and bio-clinical descriptors and offer personalized actions or advice.

In our personal lives, general practitioners ‘borrow’ decision-making techniques from our field. To feed our hypothetical approach, we gained some authentic spot-check descriptions from primary-care attenders within consultations in order to fit the needs of this short introduction. Attenders (A) were asked about their major expectations from their GP. We present their responses to cast more light on this topic:

A-1: “I seek bonding with my General Practitioner (GP). […] Whatever comes up I want to discuss it first with (her/him), ask about (her/his) opinion and then let (her/him) to refer me to another professional.”

A-2: “I want to feel that my GP cares for me, […] to be able to share things that make me feel sad and to trust (her/him).”

A-3: “I want my GP to show understanding and be compassionate, […] to be a good listener and approachable. I don’t want (her/him) to be just a ‘typical’ doctor.”  

Notably, attenders mentioned communicational, emotional and social components. Bonding, caring, understanding, trust and compassion were some of the key elements among the transcripts. People seek consultation from their “family” doctors for several reasons. They expect good clinical ability, but this is beyond the “typical” duty of a doctor. Not being sick does not equate to being healthy. General practitioners have the opportunity to understand what kind of emotional, social and biological aspects influence people’s lives, affecting their health and wellness. This area of research requires expansion, as we believe that only evidence can place this pearl on the ‘crown’ of general practice. We aim to support this effort to transform individuals’ perceptions during consultation into evidence for expanding competency in order to offer better outcomes, adherence to common decisions, and to avoid palindromic diagnoses, care dispersion and patients’ isolation.

We seek original articles concerning positive or negative associations between descriptors such as empathy, connectedness, trust, social bonding, emotional wellness, daily life discomfort or other psychosocial factors and bio-clinical variables from primary-care environments. Articles on the interface of primary and secondary care from a general practice angle are a priority. Reviews approaching psychosocial issues with laboratory research linkages will be well received. Linking morbidity issues with emotional and social descriptors is of interest if the methodology and outcomes lead to robust conclusions. Articles which describe roots of general practice consultation and reasons to change, or explain better outcomes, are also welcome. 

Kind regards,
Prof. Dr. Emmanouil Symvoulakis
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Primary health care
  • General practice
  • Trust
  • Empathy
  • Consultation spirit
  • Psychosocial determinants
  • Bio-clinical determinants
  • Emotional determinants
  • Connectedness
  • Social bonding
  • Emotional wellness

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 954 KiB  
Article
Working as a Healthcare Professional at Island Primary Care: An Exploratory Qualitative Study on the Cyclades Islands, Greece
by Anna Maria Kefala, Areti Triantafyllou, Emmanouil K. Symvoulakis, Eleni-Margarita Tzouganatou, Nikolaos Kapellas and Emmanouil Smyrnakis
Healthcare 2024, 12(9), 882; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12090882 - 24 Apr 2024
Viewed by 598
Abstract
Improving the quality of and access to healthcare services in rural areas is fundamental to developing sustainable healthcare systems. This research aims to explore the motivations of healthcare professionals to work and settle in rural island areas of Greece with limited access to [...] Read more.
Improving the quality of and access to healthcare services in rural areas is fundamental to developing sustainable healthcare systems. This research aims to explore the motivations of healthcare professionals to work and settle in rural island areas of Greece with limited access to secondary and tertiary care. The study suggests practical ways to encourage self-motivation and attract more health workers in rural areas. An exploratory qualitative research approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 16 healthcare professionals working in primary-care units that lack direct hospital or hospital–health centre access. The research was conducted specifically in the rural islands of the Cyclades. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify common themes and unique insights from the participants. The analysis revealed three thematic categories. Τhe «attraction» thematic was influenced by personal factors, random selection, origin, accommodation factors, professional factors, and obligatoriness. The «recruitment» thematic was associated with understaffing, special care issues, an unstable working environment, educational and organisational aspects, and an insular lifestyle. The thematic of «retention» highlighted personal issues, accommodation difficulties, economic and work-related issues, and unique challenges posed by an insular lifestyle. This research provides valuable insights into the motivations that drive healthcare professionals to settle, work, and remain in remote island units, as well as the challenges they encounter in making this decision. The study proposes strategies to motivate and attract more healthcare professionals to rural areas. These findings should be considered when formulating or reviewing primary healthcare empowerment policies to ensure equitable healthcare access for all individuals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Expanding Competency of Primary Health Care: Emotional and Bio-Social Meanings for General Practice Consultation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 293 KiB  
Article
Associations between Combined Psychological and Lifestyle Factors with Pain Intensity and/or Disability in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Eirini Tsatsaraki, Izolde Bouloukaki, Georgios Kontakis, Antonis F. Vakis and Maria Basta
Healthcare 2023, 11(22), 2928; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11222928 - 09 Nov 2023
Viewed by 861
Abstract
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is common in primary care, causing disability and economic burden globally. We aimed to compare socio-demographic, health, lifestyle, and psychological factors in people with and without CLBP and correlate them with clinical outcomes in people with CLBP. A [...] Read more.
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is common in primary care, causing disability and economic burden globally. We aimed to compare socio-demographic, health, lifestyle, and psychological factors in people with and without CLBP and correlate them with clinical outcomes in people with CLBP. A total of 253 volunteers with and 116 without CLBP provided sociodemographic information, daily habits, medical history, subjective sleep complaints (Penn State Sleep Questionnaire), low back pain intensity, and disability (Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale), as well as the Zung Self-Rating Scale for self-assessment of depression and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. CLBP diagnosis was linked with female gender and older age, as well as a higher level of sleep complaints such as sleepiness, OSA and insomnia symptoms, and a higher prevalence of moderate to severe depressive symptoms. The combination of moderate to severe depressive symptoms with obstructive sleep apnea or insomnia symptoms was the most important predictive factor for functional disability in CBLP patients (OR 13.686, 95% CI 4.581–40.885; p < 0.001). In conclusion, depressive symptoms and subjective sleep complaints appear to relate to greater CLBP intensity and/or CLBP-related disability in people with CLBP. A holistic approach is crucial for treating chronic CLBP patients, including psychological and sleep issue assessment and management, to improve their quality of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Expanding Competency of Primary Health Care: Emotional and Bio-Social Meanings for General Practice Consultation)
16 pages, 293 KiB  
Article
Essential Skills for Health Communication, Barriers, Facilitators and the Need for Training: Perceptions of Healthcare Professionals from Seven European Countries
by Dina Zota, Dimitrios V. Diamantis, Konstantinos Katsas, Pania Karnaki, Thomas Tsiampalis, Piotr Sakowski, Costas A. Christophi, Eleni Ioannidou, Sara Darias-Curvo, Victoria-Luise Batury, Hendrik Berth, Anja Zscheppang, Maike Linke, Sotiris Themistokleous, Afroditi Veloudaki and Athena Linos
Healthcare 2023, 11(14), 2058; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11142058 - 18 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2308
Abstract
Many healthcare professionals are unaware of the necessary skills and barriers hindering interpersonal health communication. This study aimed to evaluate the healthcare professional’s perception regarding health communication training’s necessity, barriers, facilitators and critical skills in health communication. Data from a cross-sectional online survey [...] Read more.
Many healthcare professionals are unaware of the necessary skills and barriers hindering interpersonal health communication. This study aimed to evaluate the healthcare professional’s perception regarding health communication training’s necessity, barriers, facilitators and critical skills in health communication. Data from a cross-sectional online survey in the framework of the H-Com project were utilized. The study included 691 healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, students and allied health professionals) from seven European countries. Only 57% of participants had participated in health communication training, while 88.1% of them indicated a willingness to be trained in health communication. Nurses were more likely (OR = 1.84; 95% CI 1.16, 2.91) to have received such training, compared to physicians. Most examined communication skills, barriers and facilitators of effective communication, and perceived outcomes of successful communication were considered crucial for most participants, although physicians overall seemed to be less concerned. Most agreed perceived outcomes were improved professional–patient relations, patient and professional satisfaction, physical and psychological health amelioration and patients’ trust. Nurses evaluated the importance of these communication skills and communication barriers, facilitators and outcomes higher than physicians. Physicians may underestimate the importance of communication skills more than nurses. Health communication should become an integral part of training for all health professionals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Expanding Competency of Primary Health Care: Emotional and Bio-Social Meanings for General Practice Consultation)
15 pages, 649 KiB  
Article
Doctor Attributes That Patients Desire during Consultation: The Perspectives of Doctors and Patients in Primary Health Care in Botswana
by Vincent Setlhare and Sphiwe Madiba
Healthcare 2023, 11(6), 840; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11060840 - 13 Mar 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 14618
Abstract
Doctor attributes contribute significantly to the quality of the doctor–patient relationship, consultation, patient satisfaction, and treatment outcomes. However, there is a paucity of research on this topic in many settings in developing countries, including Botswana, where accessibility and availability of care itself are [...] Read more.
Doctor attributes contribute significantly to the quality of the doctor–patient relationship, consultation, patient satisfaction, and treatment outcomes. However, there is a paucity of research on this topic in many settings in developing countries, including Botswana, where accessibility and availability of care itself are a challenge. The study examined doctor attributes that patients in Botswana desire from the perspectives of doctors and patients in selected public clinics located in four health districts of Botswana. We used a qualitative design and conducted face-to-face interviews with 32 adult patients and 17 doctors selected through the purposive sampling technique. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data analysis followed the six steps of qualitative thematic data analysis. We found both discordance and congruence between the doctors and patients on key attributes that patients desire in a doctor during consultation. Both agreed that effective communication and listening skills were key desirable doctor attributes that improve the doctor–patient relationship. Conducting the consultation in the language of the patients enhances effective communication. Doctors cited clinical expertise and competence as key desirable doctor attributes, whereas patients cited interpersonal and social attributes including kindness, empathy, and respect as key doctor attributes that increase trust in the doctor. However, patients expected the doctor to have clinical knowledge, which they perceived as essential to improve doctor–patient interaction and health outcomes. The findings highlight a need to enhance the interpersonal and communication skills of doctors to improve the quality of doctor–patient interactions. To optimise and enhance the consultation, continuing professional development should be adopted as a strategy to improve the communication and interpersonal skills of doctors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Expanding Competency of Primary Health Care: Emotional and Bio-Social Meanings for General Practice Consultation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 299 KiB  
Article
Mutual Role Expectations by Patients and General Practitioners—A Mixed Methods Study on Complementarity
by Barbara Plagg, Adolf Engl, Giuliano Piccoliori, Hermann Atz, Ulrich Becker, Johann Kiem, Verena Barbieri, Klaus Eisendle, Christian Josef Wiedermann, Susanne Ursula Elsen and Walter August Lorenz
Healthcare 2022, 10(10), 2101; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10102101 - 20 Oct 2022
Viewed by 1275
Abstract
Background: Changes in public attitudes toward “authorities” in general, as well as shifts in medical practice toward participative models of diagnosis and treatment, imply fundamental transformations in the patient–doctor relationship. However, consistency in reciprocal role expectations cannot be assumed, and this study reveals [...] Read more.
Background: Changes in public attitudes toward “authorities” in general, as well as shifts in medical practice toward participative models of diagnosis and treatment, imply fundamental transformations in the patient–doctor relationship. However, consistency in reciprocal role expectations cannot be assumed, and this study reveals significant discrepancies in attitudes and behaviors in primary health consultations. Methods: We conducted a study in the tri-lingual northeastern Italian region of South Tyrol to determine whether perceptions of the patient’s role were congruent or differed. In a mixed method approach, the quantitative research part consisted of a survey with 34 identical questions for general practitioners (n = 109) and adult primary care patients (n = 506) on verbal communication, self-initiative and health literacy, interpersonal and social qualities of the patient–physician relationship, and formal aspects of the consultation. Patients were interviewed via telephone, and general practitioners responded online. In the qualitative part, 26 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with the patients and analyzed. Results: General practitioners considered patients’ communicative efforts (p < 0.001), self-initiative (p < 0.001), compliance (p = 0.0026), and openness regarding psychosocial issues (p < 0.001) to be significantly more important, whereas patients showed a tendency to give increased importance to formal aspects such as politeness and hygiene (p < 0.001). Perception of the patient’s role differed significantly between the Italian and German linguistic groups. Conclusions: Patients and general practitioners differ in their understanding of patients’ roles. These data suggest that a considerable proportion of the population lacks a clear and tangible idea of the active role they could play in consultations. Targeted information on the identified aspects of patient–provider communication may facilitate participatory behavior and positively impact the longitudinal quality of the patient–general practitioner relationship. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Expanding Competency of Primary Health Care: Emotional and Bio-Social Meanings for General Practice Consultation)

Review

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 1674 KiB  
Review
Βarriers and Gaps to Medical Care for Transgender Individuals: A TRANSCARE Scoping Review with a Focus on Greece
by Marilena Anastasaki, Agapi Angelaki, Philippos Paganis, Elena Olga Christidi, Nancy Papathanasiou, Eleni Panagiota Stoupa, Evika Karamagioli, Emmanouil Pikoulis and Christos Lionis
Healthcare 2024, 12(6), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12060647 - 13 Mar 2024
Viewed by 901
Abstract
Trans people face substantial barriers to care worldwide. In Greece, limited evidence regarding trans health and actions to improve accessibility in healthcare services is available. This study aims to identify barriers to care for transgender populations in order to discuss the potential gaps [...] Read more.
Trans people face substantial barriers to care worldwide. In Greece, limited evidence regarding trans health and actions to improve accessibility in healthcare services is available. This study aims to identify barriers to care for transgender populations in order to discuss the potential gaps in healthcare providers’ training in this direction. A scoping review was conducted in PubMed. Study eligibility criteria included: (a) reporting on at least one barrier to care for trans individuals or at least one educational need for healthcare providers; (b) free full text availability; and (c) publishing from 2015 and afterwards. Discrepancies in study inclusion were discussed between the research team until consensus was reached. Out of 560 identified references, 69 were included in this study, with only three reporting empirical research from Greece. Several individual-, interpersonal-, and institutional-level barriers to healthcare for trans individuals were identified. These included discriminatory treatment by healthcare providers, a lack of knowledgeable providers trained on trans-specific healthcare issues, lack of trusted and safe healthcare environments, health coverage-related issues, and healthcare systems that do not take into account particular transgender health issues during care provision. Improving access to care for transgender people is a multidimensional issue that should be addressed at the societal, healthcare, and research levels. Actions for future professional education initiatives should focus on respecting transgender identity, protecting confidentiality, creating trusted provider–patient relationships, and providing sufficient competency on trans-specific healthcare issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Expanding Competency of Primary Health Care: Emotional and Bio-Social Meanings for General Practice Consultation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop