Family systems ideas in the 10-minute consultation: using a reflecting partner or observing team in a surgery

• Published in: British journal of general practice Vol. 46; no. 405; pp. 229 - 230
• Main Authors: Mayer, R, Graham, H, Schuberth, C, Launer, J, Tomson, D, Czauderna, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-04-1996
• Subjects: England; Family Practice - methods; Family Therapy; Female; Humans; Male; Patient Care Team; Professional-Patient Relations; England
• ISSN: 0960-1643

Family therapy and the ideas that underlie it have not had much impact on general practice, although there is good reason to think this could be a useful approach.
As a group of general practitioners (and a practice nurse) with experience of family therapy, we were interested in demonstrating whether family therapy methods could usefully inform general practice consultations.
Two surgeries were observed by the general practitioner's colleagues.
Selected cases are discussed to illustrate the impact of the use of family therapy ideas and a reflecting colleague or team.
Family therapy ideas can be a helpful framework within which to think about both demanding and ordinary consultations. Inviting a colleague to contribute respectfully could be useful both as a method of teaching, and in resolving difficult or faltering consultations.