Section titled module-2
Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire CCG Research Capability Funding (Local development)
What is the research question?
How can we improve the provision of support in primary care for appearance-related issues?
What is the problem?
Body dissatisfaction is a lynchpin for psychological and physical health, education, and social outcomes. It is the most potent modifiable risk factor for eating disorders, and prospectively predicts depression, unhealthy weight control practices, and curtailed academic performance. One in five adults surveyed (20%) felt shame, just over one third (34%) felt down or low, and one in eight cited suicidal thoughts related to body dissatisfaction over the past year.
What is the aim of the research?
GPs have been identified as ‘gatekeepers’ to existing specialist psychological support services for patients presenting with appearance concerns as the limited existing NHS psychological support services require referral from primary care. GPs and primary care nurses can also play an important role in care provision, yet GPs, GP trainees and medical students report a lack of specific training in working with patients with appearance concerns. Consultations offer the potential to reassure and normalise concerns, and the opportunity to signpost patients to partnership agencies who can offer psychosocial support such as charities and support groups. However, no such research has explored the potential of such training for staff in primary care settings, nor sought to develop potentially effective training and support. The aim of this research is to develop appropriately co-designed and acceptable training for Primary Care teams to improve the management of appearance related issues.
How will this be achieved?
The training needs of Primary care teams will be explored by surveys and telephone interviews, to identify preferred content of training and how those who will receive such training feel that it should be best delivered. The existing evidence will also be reviewed. Training materials will then be planned, co-produced with stakeholders and piloted within one GP practice. These will be refined, and then delivered and evaluated within other Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire primary care practices.
Who is leading the research?
Dr Elizabeth Jenkinson, Senior Lecturer, Psychology/Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England.
Further information:
For more information or to get involved in this project, please contact bnssg.research@nhs.net.