Background
General practitioners have expressed
concern that consultations offering
psychological therapy approaches
will take up too much time. However,
problem solving therapy (PST) for
depression may be able to be used
within the time constraints of general
practice. This study investigates whether
GPs’ concerns that PST would result in
unacceptably long consultations are
justified.
Discussion
This research suggests that GPs
can provide an evidence supported
psychological treatment for depression
within the time constraints of routine
practice. The structured nature of PST
may allow GPs to provide additional
mental healthcare for depression,
without significantly increasing
consultation duration. It suggests GPs’
concerns about the time PST may take
up in practice may be unjustified and
that further research into the use of PST
in routine general practice should be
undertaken.
Results
Twenty-four GPs participated. Problem
solving therapy skill increased markedly,
but mean consultation duration
changed minimally: 17.3 minutes and
17.9 minutes
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