Couples groups in family medicine training

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Family Medicine
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Behavioral science curricula often overemphasize inpatient psychiatry.
• Family physicians require training in common outpatient mental health issues.
• Marital counseling is a frequent need in primary care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt behavioral science curriculum for family practice.
• To enhance resident comfort with marital counseling.
• To integrate practical psychosocial skills into residency training.

Main Methods:

• Family practice residents co-led short-term couples therapy groups with behavioral scientists.
• Couples sought marital treatment through a health maintenance organization's mental health service.
• Specific communication techniques and exercises were utilized during group sessions.
• Pregroup questionnaires assessed initial couple status.

Main Results:

• Residents developed skills in managing small groups.
• Residents acquired behavioral tools for couples therapy.
• Residents reported increased comfort in addressing psychosocial issues.
• Training focused on outpatient problems relevant to primary care.

Conclusions:

• Co-leading couples therapy groups is an effective training method for family practice residents.
• Curriculum adjustments should prioritize outpatient issues over inpatient psychiatry.
• Enhanced training in marital counseling improves resident preparedness for primary care.
• Behavioral science training should be tailored to the specific needs of family physicians.