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

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Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of a training program targeted to Primary Care (PC) professionals on 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.