Page 195 - Demo

Summary1938performed fewer diagnostic and treatment activities in patients with MID compared with patients without ID, while conducting significantly more indirect patient care activities, such as interprofessional consultations. At the same time, crisis interventions and MH hospital admissions were more frequent in patients with MID. The findings of this study show indications that MIDs are insufficiently taken into account in MH trajectories and that patients with MID may be undertreated in MH services. This may contribute to the high number of crisis interventions and MH hospital admissions found in this patient group. Through qualitative research, the above quantitative findings were further elucidated with perspectives from patients, GPs, and MHNPs. Chapter 5describes the patients’ perspectives regarding their received primary MH care. Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who had visited their practitioner1 for MH problems in the previous 12 months, using the Person-Centred Primary Care Measures, a patientreported instrument, as a guide. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: 1. Cumulative vulnerability. Participants experienced vulnerability arising from their MID, intensified by MH problems. In relation to this vulnerability, they mentioned challenges in recognizing MH problems in oneself, uncertainty about practitioners’ accessibility for MH problems, communication issues with the practitioner, and carrying out practitioner advice. Vulnerability is accompanied by various additional patient needs, further described in the following themes.2. Patient needs regarding the GP. Participants considered it important for practitioners to acknowledge MID without reminders. Easy access to the practitioner for MH problems was crucial, with expectations of the practitioner reacting promptly and assuming a supportive and coordinating role. A strong doctor–patient relationship was essential, and some participants favoured MHNPs for their time, informality, and reduced tendency to dismiss somatic problems as psychological. 1 For the sake of readability, practitioner is stated where it applies to both GPs and MHNPs. When necessary, GP or MHNP is specified.Katrien Pouls sHL.indd 193 24-06-2024 16:26