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Health promotion practices of emergency physicians
J M Williams1, A C Chinnis, D Gutman
1Department of Emergency Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, USA. jwillia1@wvu.edu
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|February 16, 2000
Summary
Emergency physicians (EPs) acknowledge their role in patient health promotion but infrequently counsel on key lifestyle behaviors. While EPs feel responsible, they lack confidence in effectively changing patient health behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Emergency Medicine
- Health Behavior
Background:
- Emergency physicians (EPs) play a crucial role in patient health education.
- The scope of health promotion practices within emergency departments (EDs) requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the health promotion practices of EPs.
- To understand EPs' beliefs, perceived roles, and effectiveness in patient behavior modification.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to members of the West Virginia American College of Emergency Physicians.
- Data collected included EPs' beliefs, roles, and perceived effectiveness in health promotion.
Main Results:
- Over 90% of EPs routinely inquire about smoking, and 50% about alcohol use.
- Few EPs routinely screen for illicit drug use, diet, exercise, domestic violence, or stress.
- Most EPs feel responsible for health education but lack confidence in changing patient behaviors.
Conclusions:
- EPs recognize their responsibility for patient health promotion but engage in limited routine screening and counseling for key behaviors.
- There is a need to enhance EP confidence and skills in facilitating patient behavior change.