Solution-Focused Practice in Pediatric Medicine: The First Dutch Qualitative Study

This article assesses how children respond to the resource-activating, personal goal-oriented interviewing style of solution-focused practice (SFP) in pediatric outpatient consultations. We analyzed videotaped consultations in two pediatric practices in the Netherlands. One pediatric practice was trained in SFP. Deductive analysis of the transcribed recordings was performed, followed by an inductive thematic analysis of the coded fragments using microanalysis of face-to-face dialogue. Two core elements of SFP emerged: the preferred future and exploration of exceptions. Whereas the preferred future included the near future, the future in relation to daily life, and the distant future, exceptions often implied a small progression compared to a former situation. Affirmation and exploration of these two core elements led to solution-focused practice. Introducing formulations of solution-focused practice can co-construct preferred futures with children in ambulatory medical care. Expansion of SFP in medicine could enlarge the extent of attending to detail in co-constructing preferred futures.