Substance abuse and AIDS: a faculty development program for primary care providers

The authors implemented a three-day faculty development program on substance abuse and AIDS for primary care faculty. Objectives included: 1) increased knowledge concerning clinical issues; 2) skill development focusing on provider-patient interactions; and 3) the development of educational approaches for teaching about substance abuse and AIDS. Teaching formats included didactic (40%) and experimental (60%) sessions emphasizing role playing with patients affected by both substance abuse and HIV infection. Four courses have been given to 109 participants, who have rated the course highly in terms of its educational quality (4.4/5.0) and usefulness (4.2/5.0). At six-month follow-up, 75% of the participants reported enhanced teaching as a result of this faculty development program.