Stigma in General Practice consultations for functional disorders
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Stigma and stigmatisation in General Practice consultations for functional disorders / persistent physical symptoms(PPS): conversation analytic study using the One in a Million database.
IRAS ID
316473
Contact name
Christopher Burton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sheffield
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 28 days
Research summary
Persistent physical symptoms and functional disorders are common in all fields of healthcare. People with persistent physical symptoms and functional disorders commonly experience stigma. For example, a survey conducted by the functional neurological disorder advocacy organisation (FND Hope), found that 85% of patients reported feeling disbelieved and disrespected when visiting a medical professional and stigma is believed to be a salient negative influence in clinical interactions.
We recently conducted a scoping review of the published literature in relation to stigma and persistent physical symptoms / functional disorders. Most research has focused on the perceptions of stigma by patients. Few studies have examined the ways in which stigma is conveyed within consultations, which may be either deliberate or involuntary (as in the case of unconscious bias).
This study aims to explore stigma in patient consultations about persistent physical symptoms and functional disorders. We will analyse an existing set of recorded GP consultations using the techniques of Conversation Analysis. The longer term aim is to use knowledge created to inform interventions to reduce stigma for patients while receiving healthcare.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/YH/0167
Date of REC Opinion
14 Jul 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion