The impact of a program to enhance the competencies of primary care physicians in caring for patients with AIDS.

The authors evaluated the impact of a continuing education program on the AIDS-related competencies of primary care physicians in Los Angeles County. In the fall of 1984, telephone interviews were conducted with a random sample of general internists and family and general practitioners. Interviews were completed with 635 physicians, or 63% of the original sample. Less than 30% demonstrated adequate knowledge or practices necessary to deal with patients' AIDS-related symptoms and concerns. These physicians were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups receiving materials presenting similar content about AIDS in printed, audiocassette or videocassette formats. Follow-up interviews with 81% of the study group revealed significant increases in competence but this was unrelated to the use of the educational materials. Several descriptors of physicians and their practices were significant predictors of competence as assessed on pre- and post-test interviews.