Abstract 10
Analyzing Patient-Physician Communication On Lifestyle Medicine To Promote Mental Health:
A Qualitative Study
Shania Bhopa (MSc), Keyna Bracken (MD), Anne Niec (MD)
Department of Global Health, McMaster University Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University
Purpose:
Mental illness affects 1.2 million children and youth in Canada. Female adolescents in particular, suffer significant consequences associated with this. While family physicians are often the first line of contact for a health related concern, little is known about how promotion of lifestyle medicine to enhance the mental wellbeing of female adolescents is being communicated.
Method:
Using a qualitative content analysis approach, a survey about counselling on lifestyle medicine was completed by 126 Hamilton Family Physicians giving a response rate of 25.2%. The data was analyzed thematically to understand emergent themes.
Results:
Key informants discussed with highest agreement the following three themes: lifestyle medicine factors, barriers and improvements for communication to female adolescent patients. In each theme, the following sub-themes were identified. Theme 1: respondents identified a range of lifestyle medicine factors including family support, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, journaling, and mindfulness. Theme 2: Barriers in Communication, uncovered 2 subthemes; trust, and time constraints. Finally theme 3: Improvements in the quality of the conversation included 4 sub-themes; clinical empathy, listening skills, time, and social media.
Conclusion:
In this study, physicians were aware of female-specific mental health concerns. Additionally, physicians recognized and acknowledged important ways to promote inclusive communication on lifestyle medicine with this population. Analyzing the data in regards to the patient-centred care model, the prevalence of screening tools such as PHQ-9 and GAD-7 and the use of communication frameworks, HEADSS and SSHADESS were deemed supportive to patient counselling. The global prevalence of female adolescent mental health issues in combination with the use of screening tools were showcased within this study population. Hamilton family physicians integrate global recommendations into their line of care with patient centred dialogue, awareness of patient needs and lifestyle medicine education. Communication is an important factor over which physicians have the opportunity to promote the mental health of their female adolescent patients.
