Engagement with emotional concerns in general practice: a thematic analysis of GP consultations.

Background: Emotional concerns (defined as any expression of low mood, anxiety, or psychosocial stress) are an important part of the biopsychosocial care model used in modern medical practice. Previous work has demonstrated variable engagement with emotional concerns and that improved communication has been associated with reductions in emotional distress.

Aim: To examine how emotional concerns are engaged with during routine GP consultations.