Training general practitioners in behavior change counseling to improve asthma medication adherence

Sandra Broers, Ellen Smets*, Patrick Bindels, Floor Bennebroek Evertsz', Mart Calff, Hanneke De Haes

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

37 Citations (Scopus)

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. Conclusion: These positive effects provide us with some hope that the training positively influenced the GP's communication behavior. Practice implications: If further data on physician behavior and patient outcomes justify implementation of the training, it would then be worthwhile to also involve practice nurses.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)279-287
Number of pages9
JournalPatient Education and Counseling
Volume58
Issue number3 SPEC. ISS.
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2005
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
We thank the GPs for their participation and confidence in a PhD project still underway. The training was supported by a grant from GlaxoSmithKline. The first author is a member of the research school Psychology and Health.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Training general practitioners in behavior change counseling to improve asthma medication adherence'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this