Sammendrag
To investigate general practitioners' (GPs) experiences in managing patients with intellectual disabilities (ID) and mental and behavioural problems (MBP).
DESIGN:
Qualitative study using in-depth interviews.
SETTING:
General practice in Hedmark county, Norway.
PARTICIPANTS:
10 GPs were qualitatively interviewed about their professional experience regarding patients with ID and MBP. Data were analysed by all authors using systematic text condensation.
RESULTS:
The participants' knowledge was primarily experience-based and collaboration with specialists seemed to be individual rather than systemic. The GPs provided divergent attitudes to referral, treatment, collaboration, regular health checks and home visits.
CONCLUSIONS:
GPs are in a position to provide evidence-based and individual treatment for both psychological and somatic problems among patients with ID. However, they do not appear to be making use of evidence-based treatment decisions. The GPs feel that they are left alone in decision-making, and find it difficult to find trustworthy collaborative partners. The findings in this study provide useful information for further research in the field
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