Table 1 Studies based on interviews of doctors about consultation length and the management of psychological problems

Rost USA 1994 [28]

To describe preferences & barriers to rural primary care physicians treating depression

53

Semistructured Interviews

86% Random sample

30% of primary care physicians state that lack of time, & 23% that patient not recognising problem, is the biggest barrier to treating depression

Howe 1996 UK [44]

To assess factors that influence GPs' identification of psychological distress

-/19 GPs, random sample in Sheffield

-

-

-

GPs sent postal 'questionnaire, then semi-structured interviewed

Time shortage recorded as factor in 15/19

Pollock 2003 UK [31]

To investigate GP perspectives on consultation times and the management of depression in general practice

8/19 Not representative

-

8–10 mins booking times

-

Qualitative, cross-sectional GP semi-structured interviews

Dealing with depression, particularly first consultation, takes longer. GPs accommodate this by running over time.

Smith 2004 UK [32]

To explore GPs' views on clinical guidelines on management of depression & barriers to use

-/11. Picked to representative of GPs

-

5–10 minute booking interval

-

Qualitative, cross-sectional In-depth interviews with GPs

73%

Lack of time major barrier to guideline use