Addiction medicine--training for general practice registrars.

TLDR: Addiction medicine training is relevant to the work of doctors training to become GPs and can increase knowledge and confidence and is sustained over time and is translated into practice, according to general practice registrars.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Illicit drug use is a significant problem within Australia. However, GPs are reluctant to treat these problems due to a perceived lack of knowledge and confidence. METHOD: All advanced general practice registrars training through the Victorian Metropolitan Alliance in 2004 attended a 1 day pilot addiction medicine workshop, followed by completion of a questionnaire to assess the acceptability of the training and its impact on their knowledge and confidence. RESULTS: Forty six general practice registrars attended the workshops with all but one (98%) completing the postworkshop questionnaire. More than 90% of registrars agreed that the material presented was relevant to their work and that they felt more confident dealing with addiction issues in practice. DISCUSSION: Addiction medicine training is relevant to the work of doctors training to become GPs and can increase knowledge and confidence. More extensive research is needed to assess whether this increase in knowledge and confidence is sustained over time and is translated into practice. (author abstract)