Modelling the process of encounter between general practitioner and patient as a method for the detection of psychosocial problems.

In the Netherlands all patient on the list of a GP can present with all health problems in all their stages of development at any time, and more than 80% of all complaints presented to a GP are resolved by him or her. Many of these problems have psychosocial aspects. GPs need a structured consultation model for the doctor-patient encounter and, at the same time, need an open consultation style. The model must be seen as an aid in the doctor-patient communication and in medical education. In this article such a model, based on the SOAP system, a system for medical recording is described. Furthermore, a broader protocol of the SOAP, called the BATHE, is introduced. In addition, a description is given of how students at the medical school of Maastricht University are trained to use this model, especially in the clerkship in general practice.