Do longer consultations improve the management of psychological problems in general practice?
Author Information
Author(s): Catherine Hutton, Jane Gunn
Primary Institution: The University of Melbourne
Hypothesis
Is the management of psychological problems in general practice associated with increased consultation length and better health outcomes?
Conclusion
Consultations with a recorded diagnosis of psychological problems take longer than those without such a diagnosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Consultations with a recorded diagnosis of psychological problems take longer than those without.
- GPs report that time pressure is a major barrier to treating depression.
- Longer consultations are associated with more accurate diagnosis of psychological problems.
Takeaway
Longer doctor visits might help in recognizing and treating mental health issues better.
Methodology
A systematic literature review of studies comparing consultation length and management of psychological problems.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to non-representative samples and self-reported data.
Limitations
All studies reviewed were observational and non-randomized, and none followed patients over time.
Participant Demographics
Studies included a mix of general practitioners from various countries, with varying consultation lengths.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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