The physicians were randomized to one of two interventions.
All physicians (intensive andminimal intervention groups) received a copy of the JNC-VII hypertension treatment guidelines at baseline and a monthly newsletter with study updates and summaries of recent journal articles related to cardiovascular care and/or health disparities.
The intensive physician intervention is
a continuing medical education (CME) communication skills
training program. Physicians received individualized feedback
regarding their interview with a simulated patient (CD-ROM).
The program includes those aspects of medical interviewing
relevant to the participation continuum in the areas of data-gathering,
patient education and counseling, rapport-building, and facilitation
and patient activation.
