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What should we be teaching residents about behavioral science? Opinions of practicing family physicians
Background And Objectives:
A behavioral science curriculum in family practice residency education encompasses a wide range of topics. Time limitations reduce the number of topics that can be emphasized. This study presents the opinions of practicing family physicians regarding the prioritization of behavioral science topics for residency education.
Methods:
We mailed a questionnaire to 633 practicing family physicians. Respondents provided demographic data and rated 28 behavioral science topics according to priority to be given in residency education.
Results:
A total of 447 questionnaires were returned, for a response rate of 71%. On a 4-point scale, the average ratings of the 28 topics ranged from 3.79 (depression) to 2.40 (enuresis/encopresis). Female physicians and physicians with a behaviorist in their practice provided significantly higher overall average ratings.
Conclusions:
Practicing family physicians identify specific behavioral science topics to be given high priority during residency education. The list of prioritized topics may provide a useful guide to help family medicine educators decide which topics to emphasize in the behavioral science curriculum.