Formulation

Question 1

The term ‘formulation’ is used in many different ways -

Answer 1

end product of a process (formulation as a product)
process itself (formulation as process)
In a given situation, there will always be a range of formulations. A formulation is a hypothesis

Question 2

The focus of a formulation is on an attempt to explain …

Answer 2

how a situation is developed or maintained or resolved, or an attempt to make sense of what has happened

Question 3

Formulations are developed in different ways, it depends on assessment …

Answer 3

information and on the theory or model used to organise it

Question 4

Why is formulation important?

Answer 4

Acknowledges complexity
Includes a developmental and relational context
Supports collaborative working
Can help patients to find meaning in their experiences
Can help patients to develop a coherent narrative of their experiences
An approach to care that feels human
Can help patients and families feel understood
It can help team members feel valued and reduce blame

Question 5

Problems with formulation

Answer 5

Sometimes formulation is not welcome
Patients and families have varying degrees of interest in exploring the origin of their difficulties
Professionals might not welcome the extra time and collaboration

Question 6

When is formulation used?

Answer 6

For most everyday clinical encounters, in the majority of clinical consultations, more formal formulation is not required
But there will be some patients in all services, in all specialities, who just don;t seem to fit
Formulation can be used for individual complains, psychiatric conditions, difficulty in treatment, relationship issues, problems in a team or organisation, or recovery from a problem

Question 7

Models - Formulation

Answer 7

Atheoretical - bio-psycho-social model