title: Training general practitioners in behavior change counseling to improve asthma medication adherence.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Medical Psychology, University of Amsterdam (AMC UvA), P.O. Box 22660, 1100DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors: Sandra
authors: S
authors: Broers
authors: Ellen
authors: E
authors: Smets
authors: Patrick
authors: P
authors: Bindels
authors: Floor Bennebroek
authors: FB
authors: Evertsz'
authors: Mart
authors: M
authors: Calff
authors: Hanneke
authors: H
authors: de Haes
mesh_terms: 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