“The future”: Interpretative phenomenological analysis of general practitioners' experiences of co-employed clinical psychologists

Background

General practice is overwhelmed and understaffed. New models and modalities must be considered from the front door of healthcare. Like general practitioners (GPs), clinical psychologists are qualified to work across the age range and transdiagnostically.

Aim

To explore GPs' understanding of the role of a clinical psychologist and to examine what is helpful and unhelpful for GPs about working alongside a clinical psychologist within general practice.

Design and Setting

This research took place within a primary care general practice in the United Kingdom.

Method

Seven qualified GPs were recruited as participants using a purposive sampling method. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyze participant's experiences of working alongside clinical psychologists.

Results

Three superordinate themes and 12 subordinate themes were identified. First, GP clinical psychologists support patients directly by providing preventative care, reducing stigma, and offering a different perspective. Second, they support GP well-being and contribute to emotional and behavioral changes in staff. Third, they help to alleviate pressures on wider systems, ease navigation of external services, challenge dominant systems within healthcare, and support community interventions.

Conclusion

GP clinical psychologists impact general practice in multiple ways: indirectly through patient care, by GPs themselves, and by addressing wider systems. Future research is encouraged to explore the perspectives of other staff members and patient's experiences.