Innovative Multimodal Training Program for Family Physicians Leads to Positive Outcomes Among Their HIV-Positive Patients.

ABSTRACT

CME programs can increase physicians' uptake and adherence to clinical guidelines for chronic diseases. We developed an intensive multimodal training program for family physicians to increase their competency in the management and treatment of HIV, through group learning and via close interactions with expert clinicians in HIV. We trained 51 physicians from September 2010 to June 2015 and compared their adherence to clinical guidelines 1 year before and 1 year after the program. We observed significant increases in the physicians' HIV-related clinical competencies, in accordance with clinical guidelines, and an increase in the number of HIV-positive patients seen by these physicians and the number of combination antiretroviral therapies prescribed by these physicians. By combining various pedagogical approaches, as well as creating and encouraging communities of practice, we were able to make a durable impact on physician performance and patient-specific outcomes.