Evaluation of chronic disease follow-up training of family physicians in primary care units

Abstract Background Chronic diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality due to late diagnosis and insufficient treatment. This study deals with the training on chronic diseases organized by the Ministry of Health in the provinces. The aim of this study was to measure the effectiveness of training programs for family physicians in a province. Methods This semi experimental study was carried out during the training held in Bingöl that is eastern city of Turkey, on 22-26 October 2018 and 19-20 December 2018. The universe of the study consisted of family physicians working in the province. Of the 90 family physicians working in the province, 75 participated in the study. The training was conducted by the researchers and (before-after) 16-question test to the participants were used. The trainings cover the sub-heading Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypertension. The family physicians were divided into 7 groups and were given 7-hour training. SPSS 25 program was used to analyze the data. In the analysis of data, Wilcoxon test, Cochran’s Q test and Bayesian approach samples t test were used. Results The average number of correct before training was 7.33 (min: 2 - max: 13), after training 12.64 (min: 7- max: 16; p < 0.001). After the training, participants’ correct answers to 15 questions increased (p < 0.001). Increase rate is 71%. Bayesian factor was found to be < 0.001 according to the results of Bayesian approach t test. There is definite evidence against the H0 hypothesis. According to the results of this quasi-experimental study, training is very effective. Conclusions In this study, it was shown that the education of the family physicians about the chronic diseases of the Ministry of Health is effective in increasing the knowledge level of family physicians. Key messages The training of the family physicians in charge of the primary health care is important. This study showed that education is very effective accorging to the pre-training.