Problem-solving treatment in general practice residency: a focus group study of registrars' views

General practitioner (GP) registrars often express the need for more expertise of non-pharmacological treatments for patients with mental health problems. Problem-solving treatment (PST) could be an attractive option. We aimed to explore GP registrars' views on PST-training during residency and on the actual use of PST in general practice.

We performed a qualitative study with four focus groups, interviewing 18 Dutch registrars who had been trained in PST during residency. Data were analysed according to the principles of constant comparative analysis.

Registrars thought that PST-training during residency was feasible, interesting and helpful, but found that it took too much time in everyday practice and was not a GP's task. All registrars, however, said they would use specific elements in a variety of consultations, for instance concretising problems, brainstorming about practical solutions, and activating patients.

Registrars regarded PST-training during residency feasible and helpful. In daily practice they would apply specific elements of the treatment.

We recommend residency programmes to offer training in PST or another psychological treatment with comparable elements. Training should fit in with the registrars' needs and level of training and experience.