Page 134 - Demo

Chapter 6132It is known from previous studies that GPs experience difficulties in providing care to patients with solely MID or MH problems, 9-12 leading to the assumption that the combination of MID and MH problems entails even greater or additional difficulties for the GP. We found only one study – exploring the experiences of Norwegian GPs providing care to people with ID – with a special focus on combined ID and MH problems. That study’s participants, who had above average experience with people with ID, felt insecure in treating these patients and experienced problems in referring patients when problems became too complex for primary care. 1Further knowledge that could guide quality-of-care improvement is lacking, given GPs’ and MHNPs’ specific needs regarding primary MH care for people with MID. Therefore, the aim of this qualitative study is to explore GPs’ and MHNPs’ experiences, needs, and recommendations for improvement regarding primary MH care for adults with MID. MethodSetting and sampleTo broadly explore GPs’ and MHNPs’ perspectives on the care provided to patients with MID and MH problems, we conducted a focus group study. We recruited GPs and MHNPs in several Dutch regions in November and December 2022. Our recruitment strategy entailed contacting our personal networks through local GP networks, national GP and MHNP organisations, and LinkedIn. To ensure distribution across the Netherlands, we applied purposive sampling. Varying levels of experience with this patient group were included. Candidates received study information by e-mail, and written informed consent was obtained. The target number of participants in each focus group was five to ten, and focus groups were conducted at a location of the groups’ choice, including online. All participants were offered a €25 gift voucher and postgraduate education accreditation points. The Medical Research Ethics Committee East-Netherlands, registration number: 2022-13687, ruled that this study was not subject to the Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act.Katrien Pouls sHL.indd 132 24-06-2024 16:26