Challenging heteronormativity in the consultation: a focus group study among general practitioners

To reflect on and further understand mechanisms of heteronormativity in the consultation, with special focus on the relative invisibility of lesbian women.

Tape-recorded focus group interviews transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative methods.

General practitioners (GPs) from the city of Göteborg, Sweden, who had formerly answered a postal questionnaire about lesbian women in the consultation, were invited to take part in subsequent focus groups.

Ten GPs from the questionnaire who accepted the invitation and volunteered to participate in focus groups.

A discourse analytical approach using interaction regarding consensus and disagreement between informants in creating major and minor themes.

Consultation skills were forwarded as a major tool in receiving optimal information from patients. However, traditional concepts of family and sexuality restricted information and hampered an accepting attitude. Bringing up issues of sexual identity/orientation was left to the lesbian patient and strongly related to her reason for attending.

Consultation skills are a useful but not sufficient means of making lesbian women visible in the doctor-patient relationship. Doctors also need to transcend traditional concepts of family and sexuality and reflect on what is a relevant issue from the patient's perspective.