9th International AIDS Conference


Berlin, Germany — June 6-11, 1993

Print this Article


Educating physicians for HIV-counselling. A randomized trial of home-study vs. group training.

Int Conf AIDS 1993 Jun 6-11; 9:122 (abstract no. WS-D19-5)
Grueninger U, Kuenzel M, Abelin T; Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Bern Medical School, Switzerland.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the impact of written information alone versus additional group training in Continuing Medical Education (CME) on physicians' attitudes, counselling skills and HIV-prevention activities.

METHODS: 140 Swiss practicing physicians were randomized into a Home-Study Group HG (mailed a six part workbook with information and exercises on HIV counselling), a Training Group TC (in addition three half-day small group sessions: role play with simulated patients, video feedback, and encounters with experts and HIV-patients), and a Wait-Control Group WG. Measurements included questionnaires (all groups), consultation cards for 2 x 30 consecutive patients (TG&HG), and video-rated encounters with simulated patients (TG; HG posttest only).

RESULTS: Results of both CME packages were significant: self-reported competence, security and commitment in encounters with persons at-risk improved; tendencies to refer such patients elsewhere diminished; sexual history taking became more frequent and detailed, HIV-testing more targetted for actual risk; HIV-counselling gave more specific advice on more explicit topics. While micro-skills did not change in video-ratings, consultation cards proved for TG more intensive and detailed counselling, with better relationships, security and satisfaction than for HG.

CONCLUSION: CME with self-study alone, and combined with group training, improves attitudes and intentions for action, but group training has a larger impact upon HIV-counselling in actual consultations.

Keywords: AEGIS, Counseling, Teaching, Education, Medical, Continuing, Patient Education, Patient Simulation, Clinical Competence, Professional Practice, Questionnaires, Education, Pharmacy, Continuing, Educational Measurement, Students, Medical, Education, Distance, Human, education, ICA9
930606
WSD195

Copyright © 1993 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.