Evaluation of a short course in psychiatry for general practitioners

Abstract

Objective: To assess the acceptability and benefits to general practitioners (GPs) of a short course on the management of depression and anxiety. Method: One hundred and twenty-two GPs from southeast metropolitan Melbourne participated in a five-session short course. Pre- and postmeasures of knowledge, attitude and self-evaluated clinical practice and a post-measure of participant satisfaction were completed. Results: The course was overwhelmingly appreciated by participating GPs. In the group as a whole, knowledge, attitude and certain elements of clinical practice changed in a positive and predicted direction. General practitioners affirmed the use of an interpersonal and problem-solving f..