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Paediatricians' experiences of managing medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) and fabricated or induced illness (FII) in children and families: a qualitative study

Yon, Katherine; (2019) Paediatricians' experiences of managing medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) and fabricated or induced illness (FII) in children and families: a qualitative study. Doctoral thesis (D.Clin.Psy), UCL (University College London). Green open access

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Abstract

AIMS: Currently, very little is known about paediatricians' understanding of medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) and fabricated or induced illness (FII), both of which can be challenging presentations to manage. This study used qualitative methods to explore how paediatricians conceptualise the topics of MUS and FII, their approach to cases in practice, and any gaps in service provision and training. // METHODS: Twenty semi-structured interviews were carried out with trainee and consultant paediatricians based in hospital and community posts in North Central London. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. // RESULTS: Participants reported varying amounts of exposure to MUS and FII, and identified a ‘grey area’ related to these topics, characterised by parents’ inappropriate help-seeking behaviours driven by parental anxiety and with the potential to result in significant harm to the child. Paediatricians discussed the challenging nature of their role in managing MUS and FII, identifying issues including risk of over-investigation and iatrogenic harm, early identification of FII, the emotional impact of the work, gaps in training, and current barriers children and families face when accessing appropriate care. // CONCLUSIONS: Improved service provision and more training for paediatricians about these important topics is needed to ensure early identification of MUS and FII and reduce risk of harm.

Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Qualification: D.Clin.Psy
Title: Paediatricians' experiences of managing medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) and fabricated or induced illness (FII) in children and families: a qualitative study
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
Language: English
Additional information: Copyright © The Author 2019. Original content in this thesis is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Any third-party copyright material present remains the property of its respective owner(s) and is licensed under its existing terms. Access may initially be restricted at the author’s request.
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10082446
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