PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - R Mayer
AU  - H Graham
AU  - C Schuberth
AU  - J Launer
AU  - D Tomson
AU  - J Czauderna
TI  - Family systems ideas in the 10-minute consultation: using a reflecting partner or observing team in a surgery.
DP  - 1996 Apr 01
TA  - British Journal of General Practice
PG  - 229--230
VI  - 46
IP  - 405
4099  - http://bjgp.org/content/46/405/229.short
4100  - http://bjgp.org/content/46/405/229.full
SO  - Br J Gen Pract1996 Apr 01; 46
AB  - BACKGROUND: Family therapy and the ideas that underlie it have not had much impact on general practice, although there is good reason to think this could be a useful approach. AIM: As a group of general practitioners (and a practice nurse) with experience of family therapy, we were interested in demonstrating whether family therapy methods could usefully inform general practice consultations. METHOD: Two surgeries were observed by the general practitioner's colleagues. RESULTS: Selected cases are discussed to illustrate the impact of the use of family therapy ideas and a reflecting colleague or team. CONCLUSIONS: Family therapy ideas can be a helpful framework within which to think about both demanding and ordinary consultations. Inviting a colleague to contribute respectfully could be useful both as a method of teaching, and in resolving difficult or faltering consultations.