Coding of medically unexplained symptoms and somatoform disorders by general practitioners - an exploratory focus group study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) and somatoform disorders are common in general practices, but there is evidence that general practitioners (GPs) rarely use these codes. Assuming that correct classification and coding of symptoms and diseases are important for adequate management and treatment, insights into these processes could reveal problematic areas and possible solutions. Our study aims at exploring general practitioners' views on coding and reasons for not coding MUS/somatoform disorders.

Methods

We invited GPs to participate in six focus groups (N = 42). Patient vignettes and a semi-structured guideline were used by two moderators to facilitate the discussions. Recordings were transcribed verbatim. Two researchers analyzed the data using structuring co

SUBMITTER: Pohontsch NJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6064152 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature