Understanding of Tic Disorders in Children and Adolescents and Perspectives on a Digital Intervention: A Qualitative Study Among Primary Care Professionals

Abstract

Primary care professionals are often the first line of support for children and adolescents with tic disorders. However, families often report feeling inadequately supported and perceive a lack of knowledge about tics. Few studies have examined primary care professionals' perspectives on managing tic disorders. This study explored how these professionals understood and managed tic disorders in a Danish region. Twelve professionals, including general practitioners and educational psychologists, participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, resulting in three main themes. The first theme, Frontstage: Managing Care Needs in Practice, described how professionals addressed encounters with families affected by tics. The second theme, Behind the Scenes: Navigating Uncertainty and Complexity, captured reflections on managing a heterogeneous group of disorders, such as tic disorders. The third theme, Future Perspectives: Reframing the Stage for Tic Management in Primary Care, reflected professionals' understanding of the diverse group affected by tics and their evaluation of a newly developed app-based intervention. These findings offer insights into primary care perspectives on tic disorders and clarify reasons for differences in their management. This knowledge is essential when planning interventions for tic disorders, whether through digital platforms or other approaches.