Online PTSD Diagnosis and Treatment Training for Primary Care Physicians
Abstract
Recently returned Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with symptoms of PTSD often present first to primary care providers (PCPs) and are reluctant to seek specialty mental health care. Most PCPs have not been trained to assess for and initiate management of PTSD. Given time and cost constraints, web based instructional programs are increasingly used to facilitate medical education. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a 70 minute web based PTSD training for PCPs, accredited by the UCSF Office of Continuing Medical Education. The training consisted of 4 modules: (1) Detection and Assessment of PTSD; (2) Comorbid Conditions; (3) Pharmacological Interventions, and (4) Psychotherapeutic Interventions with several clinical vignettes of PCPs interacting with patients to illustrate concepts. Between 12/1/2011 and 12/01/2012, 73 PCPs participated in the online training and completed baseline, end of training, and follow up assessments. We found a significant increase in PTSD related knowledge at post training and at 30 days compared to baseline (both p s < 0.001). After the training, PCPs reported significantly increased comfort with 11 of 12 PTSD related skills; 92% anticipated applying training content in their practices, and after 30 days, 47% reported having done so. Compared with scheduled webcasts, many PCPs preferred the asynchronous web based modules. Increased PTSD competency among PCPs may help increase detection and symptom management in many patients who would not otherwise receive care.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA579903
Entities
People
- Karen H. Seal
Organizations
- Northern California Institute for Research and Education