Management of common mental health in primary care

Webb, Katie Louise 2014. Management of common mental health in primary care. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Mental health is recognised as a global burden of disease and amongst the leading contributors to disability, with common mental health affecting one in six adults. The impact of these conditions on individuals and the economy are significant. Primary care is the first point of contact and general practitioners, as public health gatekeepers are of key importance in the recognition and management of these. It is suggested that general practitioners find consultations challenging, though it is not clear what these difficulties are. The aim of this thesis was to investigate what, if any, problems general practitioners experience with regards to the common mental health consultation. A scoping study and survey provided information on general practitioners’understanding of common mental health and its management. Another survey investigated the perceptions, beliefs and understanding of the general public in relation to common mental health and its management. A theory of planned behaviour study looked at factors that influenced general practitioners’ prescribing and referral behaviours. And finally, a triangulation study examined the findings from the programme of research with other key professionals who are also part of the pathway of care - primary care counsellors and clinical psychologists. Results of this thesis suggest that general practitioners do experience difficulties with the management of common mental health. Challenges were shown to be associated with the general practitioner’s role as the patient’s advocate, lack of knowledge and education, confidence, personal experience, patient expectation and management systems. Results also showed General practitioners’ and lay persons’ understanding of common mental health in everyday practice was different to that in public policy. General practitioner treatment management was shown to be in conflict with clinical guidelines. Furthermore, prescribing and referral behaviours were shown to be influenced by their attitude, significant others and whether they possessed adequate skills or knowledge.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Last Modified:	04 Jun 2017 07:40
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/66867

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