@article {Allene601, author = {Emily-Charlotte Frances Allen and Bruce Arroll}, title = {Physician self-disclosure in primary care: a mixed methods study of GPs{\textquoteright} attitudes, skills, and behaviour}, volume = {65}, number = {638}, pages = {e601--e608}, year = {2015}, doi = {10.3399/bjgp15X686521}, publisher = {Royal College of General Practitioners}, abstract = {Background There is a debate in medicine about the use and value of self-disclosure by the physician as a communication tool. There is little empirical evidence about GPs and self-disclosure.Aim To explore what GPs{\textquoteright} attitudes, skills, and behaviour are with regard to self-disclosure during a clinical consultation and whether there is a need for the development of training resources.Design and setting Mixed methods using open-ended and semi-structured interviews in Auckland, New Zealand, and the surrounding districts.Method Sixteen GPs were interviewed on the issue of self-disclosure in clinical practice. A general inductive approach was used for data analysis.Results Self-disclosure was common in this group of GPs, contrary to training in some of the groups, and was seen as a potentially positive activity. Family and physical topics were most common, yet psychological and relationship issues were also discussed. Knowing patients made self-disclosure more likely, but a GP{\textquoteright}s intuition played the main role in determining when to self-disclose, and to whom. GPs have developed their own guidelines, shaped by years of experience; however, there was a consensus that training would be helpful.Conclusion Self-disclosure is common and, in general, seen as positive. Major personal issues were acceptable for some GPs to self-disclose, especially to known patients. Although participants had developed their own guidelines, exposure of trainees to the issue of self-disclosure would be of value to prevent future mistakes and to protect both doctor and patient from any unintended harm, for example, developing a dependent relationship.}, issn = {0960-1643}, URL = {https://bjgp.org/content/65/638/e601}, eprint = {https://bjgp.org/content/65/638/e601.full.pdf}, journal = {British Journal of General Practice} }