Table 1.
Characteristics of participating patients
| Patient/practice* | Identification* | Sex | Age (years) | Problems they had to manage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P1 B | PR | M | 53 | Depression; diabetes; he discussed tackling his obesity; long-term incapacity (14 years) |
| P2 A | PR | F | 62 | Osteoarthritis; chronic pain; diabetes; asthma; liver disease; depression; housing problems; mother with dementia; family problems (current and past); socially isolated |
| P3 A | PR | M | 60 | Chronic obstructive airways disease; diabetes; alcoholism; depression |
| P4 B | PR | F | 50 | Neuropathy; liver damage; colostomy; urostomy; diabetes; chronic bowel disease; underactive thyroid; leaking heart valve; lump in breast being explored (family history of cancer) (48 medications); caring for husband (also with multimorbidity); anxiety and depression |
| P5 A | PR | F | 59 | Bronchitis; asthma; arthritis; diabetes; depression (she discussed obesity and smoking also); recent loss of spouse |
| P6 A | PR | F | 53 | Kidney stones; arthritis; diabetes; hypertension; underactive thyroid; sleep apnoea; depression; liver problems. Most of the interview focused on agoraphobia, sexual abuse and difficulties she had with intimate relationships |
| P7 A | PR | M | 54 | Diabetes; hypertension; stress at work |
| P8 B | CR | F | 53 | Cerebral vascular accident and subsequent disability |
| P9 A | CR | M | 50 | Diabetes; hypertension; problems with leg following an accident – multiple surgeries. Stress at work (being treated for depression) |
| P10 B | CR | F | 64 | Hypertension; chronic pain; osteoarthritis; obesity; blood pressure; stomach ulcer; depression. Interview also explored difficult family relationships (current and past), bereavement (loss of her daughter), her experience of living with a violent partner |
| P11 B | CR | M | 52 | Depression; erectile dysfunction; epilepsy; psoriasis; bereavement (stated refused medication for depression will self-medicate with St John’s Wort). Interview focused on loss of 14 year old daughter, care of his wife who suffered a cerebral haemorrhage, housing problems, and his suicidal feelings |
| P12 B | CR | M | 52 | Chronic pain; ischaemic heart disease; stomach problems; depression; erectile dysfunction; mobility (spine problems); financial problems with Department of Social Security |
| P13 A | CR | M | 44 | Asthma; stomach problems |
| P14 B | CR | F | 52 | Crohn’s disease; joint pain |
*CR, researcher identified; PR, practice identified.