Training general practitioners in behavior change counseling to improve asthma medication adherence.
OBJECTIVE
Adherence to asthma medication regimens is problematic in general practice. We developed and evaluated a communication training for general practitioners (GPs) to help them address medication adherence during routine consultations. This paper describes the development of the training and evaluation results of a pilot study.


METHODS
The training was based on behavior change counseling (BCC), a technique derived from motivational interviewing. We developed a five phases BCC consultation model. Participating GPs answered questions at baseline (T0), directly after (T1) and 4-10 months after (T2) the training that assessed their attitudes and confidence regarding adherence communication. They completed evaluation forms at T1 and T2.


RESULTS
The 19 participating GPs were positive about the course and the feasibility of BCC in GP consultations. Also, after the training, their attitudes and confidence had improved (p<0.05) and all reported to use BCC skills at least sometimes 4-10 months after the training.


CONCLUSIONS
These positive effects provide us with some hope that the training positively influenced the GP's communication behavior.


CONCLUSIONS
If further data on physician behavior and patient outcomes justify implementation of the training, it would then be worthwhile to also involve practice nurses.
Broers
Sandra
S
Department of Medical Psychology, University of Amsterdam (AMC UvA), P.O. Box 22660, 1100DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Smets
Ellen
E
Bindels
Patrick
P
Evertsz'
Floor Bennebroek
FB
Calff
Mart
M
de Haes
Hanneke
H
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003376:Counseling / Q000193:education*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010865:Pilot Projects; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric