Health Care for Persistent Somatic Symptoms Across Europe: A Qualitative Evaluation of the EURONET-SOMA Expert Discussion

Background: Persistent somatic symptoms (PSS), referred to as somatoform disorders and lately somatic symptom disorders, are frequent but often remain under-recognized and under-treated. Although European guidelines overlap, presumably, there is large diversity in their practical use and in the actual health care situation. The aim of this qualitative evaluation was to compare health care for PSS across 9 European countries, to illustrate commonalities and differences, and to discuss challenges for a pan-European research agenda. Methods: A case vignette fulfilling ICD-10 criteria of undifferentiated somatization disorder was presented to 24 experts from 9 European countries, who completed a semi-structured assessment regarding the routine management including diagnostic procedures, treatment recommendations, and country-specific health care aspects. A qualitative evaluation was conducted using the video-transcripts of the presentations. Results were validated by additional expert interviews. Results: Across all countries, primary care physicians serve as the gate keeper for further diagnostic and treatment procedures. Apart from this commonality, there is a large variability in health care routines. Experts concluded that individuals with PSS appear to be a non-identified patient group within many European health care systems. To overcome the gap between evidence-based guidelines and clinical reality needs, three key challenges were identified: (1) Defining a clinically useful, acceptable, and non-stigmatizing diagnostic term, (2) implementing guideline recommendations into routine care, (3) developing effective dissemination strategies. Conclusions: The results advocate for more research on the actual European health care situation. A systematic European research agenda with unified goals and interdisciplinary collaboration that integrates all stakeholders could answer this challenge.