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Authors: Fox, Fiona¹; Harris, Michael¹; Taylor, Gordon²; Rodham, Karen³; Sutton, Jane⁴; Robinson, Brian⁵; Scott, Jenny⁴

Source: British Journal of General Practice, Volume 59, Number 568, November 2009 , pp. 811-818(8)

Abstract:

Background

Current evidence about the experiences of doctors who are unwell is limited to poor quality data.

Aim

To investigate GPs' experiences of significant illness, and how this affects their own subsequent practice.

Design of study

Qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis to conduct and analyse semi-structured interviews with GPs who have experienced significant illness.

Setting

Two primary care trusts in the West of England.

Method

A total of 17 GPs were recruited to take part in semi-structured interviews which were conducted and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis

Results

Four main categories emerged from the data. The category, `Who cares when doctors are ill?' embodies the tension between perceptions of medicine as a `caring profession' and as a `system'. `Being a doctor-patient' covers the role ambiguity experienced by doctors who experience significant illness. The category `Treating doctor-patients' reveals the fragility of negotiating shared medical care. `Impact on practice' highlights ways in which personal illness can inform GPs' understanding of being a patient and their own consultation style.

Conclusion

Challenging the culture of immunity to illness among GPs may require interventions at both individual and organisational levels. Training and development of doctors should include opportunities to consider personal health issues as well as how to cope with role ambiguity when being a patient and when treating doctor-patients. Guidelines about being and treating doctor-patients need to be developed, and GPs need easy access to an occupational health service.

Keywords: doctor-patients; general practitioners; qualitative interview

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.3399/bjgp09X472872

Affiliations: 1: Hope House Surgery, Radstock 2: Research and Development Support Unit, School for Health, University of Bath, Bath 3: Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath 4: University of Bath, Bath 5: SBW Centre, Bristol General Hospital, Bristol

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