2nd February 2011
GP concerns over depression questionnaire
English GPs have raised concerns about the questionnaire used to determine severity of depression in patients in a study in this month’s British Journal of General Practice (BJGP).
The study - Questionnaire severity measures for depression: a threat to the doctor-patient relationship?(1) – found that some GPs felt the questionnaire posed an intrusion into often very sensitive consultations and also made it difficult for the GPs to deliver individualised patient care.
Researchers interviewed 38 practices across three areas: Southampton; Liverpool and Norfolk. Questions answered by the GPs included: their experience of the severity indicators; what they aimed to achieve; whether the questionnaire affected their interaction with the patient, either positively or negatively; and whether they used the questionnaires at the outset of treatment, as specified in the contract.
Lead Researcher, Dr Geraldine Leydon from University of Southampton Primary Medical Care Department, said of their findings “Some GPs have voiced concern that the use of severity questionnaire scores may diminish patient-doctor rapport and holism. GPs are apparently wary of using questionnaire scores to determine severity and decide on treatment.”
RCGP Chair, Dr Clare Gerada, said: “The questionnaire is valid – but as with any tool it should be used appropriately and proportionately.”
Source: The Royal College of General Practitioners
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