Page 122 - Demo

Chapter 5120Theme 4: Self-determinationDespite their vulnerabilities and additional needs regarding their GP and network, participants expressed the desire for self-determination with regard to their MH trajectory1Themes are not-mutually exclusiveDiscussionIn this interview study we aimed to explore patients with MID’s experiences, needs, and suggestions for improvement regarding primary MH care. The results reveal that people with MID feel more vulnerable visiting their GP with MH problems than with somatic problems; this cumulative vulnerability is instigated by their MID and reinforced by MH problems. This translates into various needs and expectations regarding the patient’s GP, family, and professional carers, but the need for self-determination remains important.Strengths and limitationsTo our knowledge, this is the first study to focus on perspectives of patients with MID and MH problems in primary care. To optimise the quality of data collection, interview questions were grounded in the PCPCM structure, evaluated by the study’s advisory board, and simplified and adjusted with the help of a co-researcher with MID. In addition, the interviews were conducted by a researcher who, as an ID physician, has great experience in discussing sensitive topics with people with MID. To optimise the quality of data analysis, the research team and advisory board were composed of professionals from diverse backgrounds: patient associations, primary care, ID care, MH care, addiction care, and a research institute. This ensured that various perspectives were included in the data aggregation and theme formation. The discussion among these professionals ensured that personal experiences and related convictions of the research team could only minimally influence the interpretation of the results.Participants were asked to reflect upon their experiences with primary MH care in the past – an exercise that might lead to recall bias. We minimised this by including only people who had received primary MH care in the Katrien Pouls sHL.indd 120 24-06-2024 16:26