title: Improving access to primary health care for chronic drug users: an innovative systemic intervention for providers.
abstract: An intervention was designed to improve access to primary care for chronic drug users (CDUs) by enhancing health care providers' knowledge and skills. Using a case study method, three study sites were systematically selected for intervention implementation: a primary care clinic (PC), an emergency department (ED), and a drug treatment (DT) facility. Participants completed pre- and postintervention tests of knowledge, skills, and intentions to practice. Compared with pretest scores, participants had significantly higher posttest scores concerning knowledge of CDUs' health care needs. Postintervention evaluations indicated intentions to practice skills learned in the intervention. As hypothesized, the PC and ED subsequently instituted formal screening mechanisms to identify CDUs. This intervention revealed potential to build bridges between health care providers and CDUs. By overcoming provider resistance, primary care access can be realized for this and other disadvantaged populations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Florida International University, 3000 N.E., 151 Street, ACI-394, North Miami, FL 33181, USA. mccoyh@fiu.edu
authors.forename: H Virginia
authors.initials: HV
authors.lastname: McCoy
authors.forename: Sarah E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Messiah
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhao
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D003162:Competency-Based Education; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D005431:Florida; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D013192:Staff Development / Q000379:methods*; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000078329:Workforce