[Role of the general practitioner in outpatient care for schizophrenic patients from the patients' perspective].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the view of schizophrenic patients regarding the role of general practitioners (GPs) in outpatient psychiatric care.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews with 20 schizophrenic patients were tape-recorded. Using the software Atlas.ti, the data were analysed according to the model of inductive category development (Mayring, 1995).

RESULTS

Nearly all patients regarded the GPs as doctors "for the body" and--in contrast--the psychiatrists as doctors "for the soul". At the same time, an appointment with a GP was perceived as less embarrassing and stigmatising. Patients consulted their GP mainly because of somatic complaints or to receive follow-up prescriptions for their antipsychotic medication. They liked to get a "second opinion" regarding medical decisions by GPs. Some patients wished to have more consultation time with their GP to discuss psychological problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Schizophrenic patients appreciate the distinction, and the choice, between different medical specialties. Primary care offers services with an exceptionally low threshold for schizophrenic patients because consultations with a GP are to a lesser degree perceived as embarrassing or stigmatising.