Counselling in primary care: a systematic review of the evidence

Front cover

Institute of Health and Social Care Research, University of Salford

Publication date - September 2008
56 pages
ISBN number: 9781905114283

£12.99 BACP members
£19.99 Non-members

About the book
At a time when the use of psychological therapies in primary care is expanding, this study aims to locate, appraise and synthesise diverse research evidence discussing the findings of: randomised controlled trials; practice-based evidence; cost-effectiveness studies; and studies of patient satisfaction/treatment preferences.

The review includes a range of both UK and international studies, written in the English language and located in the primary care setting, which provides a reliable overview of the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and acceptability of counselling in primary care.

The findings are drawn from 26 studies that were graded good or high quality and are presented in a thematic narrative review of the evidence, with summary tables presenting the results of all the included studies.

In brief, the research shows that counselling is more effective than routine primary care in the short term, but more research is needed in relation to long term outcomes. The research also shows that counselling is as effective as CBT with typical heterogeneous primary care populations. The evidence regarding the cost-effectiveness and the cost-impact on other areas of health service utilisation is mixed, although it is clear that patients are highly satisfied with the counselling they have received in primary care.

To order a copy of the book from the online book shop please click here

Alternatively you can order a copy by calling BACP on 01455 883300