Patients' experiences of being touched by their general practitioner: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study aimed to explore patients' experiences and perceptions of touch, as practised by their general practitioner during their medical appointment.

Design

Qualitative study using grounded theory method, based on individual interviews. Data collection and analysis occurred iteratively; themes were identified using constant comparison.

Setting

Recruitment among general practitioners' private practices and health centres in Ile-de-France.

Participants

Twenty-one patients aged 19-88 years old, interviewed between June 2018 and May 2019.

Results

Physical examination was described as a ritual enabling the establishment of patients' and doctors' roles, the verification of the doctor's skills and the construction of a caring experience. Touch was

SUBMITTER: Devillers L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10391798 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature