Summary
Most presenting problems in primary care have a behavioral factor, which physicians must address. Their ability to do so is even more important when depression or suicidal ideation is present. The Behavioral Medicine Rotation (BMR) uniquely uses workshops, role/real plays, standardized patients, and direct observations to teach evidence-based skills and physician wellness to enhance the healing relationship. To assess its effectiveness, the BMR was evaluated using: (1)pre/post self-evaluations and (2)chart review. Learners rated their competence with core behavioral medicine skills via pre/post evaluations. To explore their skill application, a random sample of their patients’ charts were reviewed from 3 months prior to and 3 months after BMR. Of specific focus was the residents’ use of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-2 and PHQ-9 depression screening tools and their documentation of suicidality. Results can improve behavioral skills training and clinical approach to suicidality.
Workshop Downloads
Objectives
- Describe how behavioral medicine training can impact physicians’ clinical documentation of suicidality
- Describe key findings of a program evaluation of behavioral medicine teaching
- Discuss physician self-evaluations of their skills in behavioral medicine after training
References
- Cross, W. F., West, J. C., Pisani, A. R., Crean, H. F., Nielsen, J. L., Kay, A. H., & Caine, E. D. (2019). A randomized controlled trial of suicide prevention training for primary care providers: a study protocol. BMC medical education, 19(1), 58.
- Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education Mental Health Program (WICHE MHP) & Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC). (2017). Suicide prevention toolkit for primary care practices. A guide for primary care providers and medical practice managers (Rev. ed.). Boulder, Colorado: WICHE MHP & SPRC
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- Ribeiro, J. D., Gutierrez, P. M., Joiner, T. E., Kessler, R. C., Petukhova, M. V., Sampson, N. A., . . . Nock, M. K. (2017). Health care contact and suicide risk documentation prior to suicide death: Results from the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilien
