Picking up the pieces

The idea of managing patients who have experienced unimaginable horror or suffering can be very daunting. As general practitioners (GPs) we are often the first port of call for people after a significant event or, alternatively, become involved when the patient emerges from the tertiary care system. Part of our role is to help 'pick up the pieces', whether the effects have been predominantly physical, psychological or a combination of both. Sometimes the person before you is fragmented, the pieces so fragile and far flung, that putting them back together seems an impossible task.