A PROGRAM FOR THE PSYCHIATRIC TRAINING OF GENERAL PRACTITIONERS WHILE UTILIZING THEIR OFFICES AS AN OUTPATIENT FACILITY
Abstract
On the basis of 8 months' experience with this small group of 5 physicians, it does appear feasible to instruct general practitioners in the psychiatric management of the chronic alcohol patient.
It seems that such a program of instruction presents certain unique problems, primarily the limitation on the time the general practitioner can spend away from his practice. This difficulty can be met in part by brief periods of instruction and by films produced specifically for the general practitioner. This conserves staff time and provides a means of instructing small groups in a scheduled manner.
The following advantages to such a program of instruction are seen: the physician's interest is maintained by his treating patients during an extended period of instruction, and he becomes known in his community as one who will accept alcoholic patients and has some instruction in their management.
This method of providing treatment in professionally isolated areas appears to have the following advantages as compared to a mobile clinic: the responsible physician is a part of the community and the alcoholic is treated similarly to other patients. The patient may have been previously known to the doctor and there is no stigma attached to visiting a general practitioner in any community.
In closing, it appears feasible to train the general practitioner without interrupting his practice, and to use his office as an out-patient and follow-up facility. It is also assumed that after the project ends, the community will still recall that these physicians treat alcoholics and that a continuing service will be provided.
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