Impact of a primary care training program on the prevention and management of unhealthy alcohol use: A quasi-experimental study.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a training program targeted to Primary Care (PC) professionalson the acquisition of communication skills, attitudes, and knowledge about the prevention and management of unhealthy alcohol use. METHODS: A quasi-experimental, pre- and post-intervention study was performed in PC centers of Cordoba (Spain). Family doctors, residents and nurses participated in the study. The intervention was based on a motivational interviewing training program, which consisted in a workshop on learning skills, attitudes and knowledge about the alcohol management. PC providers were videotaped with a standardized patient in order to check the clinical and communication competencies acquired. A descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analysis was carried out (p < 0.05). RESULTS: PC providers' communication skills and attitudes showed significant improvements in the variables studied (p < 0.001), as well as in the clinical interview evaluation parameters. CONCLUSION: The present study reveals the impact of a training program targeted to PC professionals on communication skills, attitudes, and knowledge about the prevention and management of patients with unhealthy alcohol use. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Training activities targeted to PC providers represent a valuable strategy to improve communication skills, attitudes and knowledge of these professionals in their clinical practice.