Impact of an educational intervention on general practitioners' skills in cognitive behavioural strategies: a randomised controlled trial.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on general practitioners' skills in cognitive behavioural strategies (CBS). DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial, with baseline and post-training measurement of GP competency in CBS using standardised simulated patient consultations, conducted between January 2005 and December 2006. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: 55 GPs in Victoria with a special interest in mental health issues. INTERVENTION: A 20-hour multifaceted educational program facilitated by mental health experts, incorporating rehearsal of CBS and provision of resources such as patient education material and worksheets. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Objective ratings of videotaped..