Family systems medicine training: Helping to meet psychiatric and psychosomatic problems

Author(s): Vaisanen, E., Larivaara, P., KeinanenKiukaanniemi, S., Oja, H.

Journal/Book: Nord J Psychiatr. 1997; 51: PO Box 2959 Toyen, Journal Division, Customer Service, N-0608 Oslo, Norway. Scandinavian University Press. 259-265.

Abstract: The first 2-year training programme in family systems medicine in Finland was carried out in 1989-91 at the University of Oulu. The content was family medicine and family therapy seminars and supervision. Twelve general practitioners (GPs) from all over Finland with 6-20 years of working experience participated in the course. This was a self-report questionnaire study. During the Ist year the trainees were asked to treat patients in specific diagnostic groups. The study was repeated towards the end of the 2nd year. The objective was to compare trainees' opinions of their own knowledge to diagnose and treat patients in different disease groups in the beginning and at the end of the training programme. There were 12 GPs in the study with 62 patients in the first phase and 49 patients in the second. The control group consisted of 14 GPs with 3-21 years' working experience and their 48 patients. In the first phase the trainees estimated their skills in treating psychosomatic and psychiatric disorders to be insufficient, but in the second phase they found it easier to treat these patients. Skills to treat somatic disorders were estimated to be sufficient from the beginning. The doctor-patient relationship was more often assessed to be important for a successful outcome at the end than at the beginning of the course. The effects of the family systems medicine training course proved to be important for the daily work of the GPs.

Note: Article Kiuttu J, Dist Hlth Ctr, FIN-91100 II, FINLAND

Keyword(s): doctor-patient relationship; family systems medicine training; supervision

Zurück | Weiter