A randomized controlled trial of behavior change counseling education for medical students

Abstract

Background: Educating medical students about how to effectively counsel patients with negative health behaviors (i.e., lack of exercise, smoking) is vitally important. Behavior change counseling is a promising method that can be used by physicians to encourage positive changes in health behaviors.

Purpose: To examine the effectiveness of a 2 h workshop in behavior change counseling for medical students.

Methods: This study used a pre–post control group design with 35 second-year medical students who were randomly assigned to participate in a behavior change counseling intervention or wait-list control group. Student knowledge and attitudes were assessed using multiple choice items and open-ended question prompts. Student skills were assessed via performance in a standardized patient encounter rated using the Behavior Change Counseling Index (BECCI).

Results: Student attitudes toward behavior change counseling were positive at both pre- and post-test assessment in both groups. Knowledge scores and BECCI total scores showed significantly greater improvement in the intervention group compared to the wait-list control group.

Conclusions: This study found that a brief educational intervention had a positive impact on medical students’ knowledge and skills in behavior change counseling, and that student attitudes about the counseling method were very positive.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

John J. Spollen

JOHN SPOLLEN, MD, is an associate professor and vice-chair for Education, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR.

Carol R. Thrush

CAROL THRUSH, EdD, is an assistant professor of Educational Development, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR.

Dan-vy Mui

DAN-VY MUI, MD, is a psychiatrist in private practice, The Woodlands, TX.

Majka B. Woods

MAJKA WOODS, PhD, is an associate director for Medical Educator Development and Scholarship, University of Minnesota Medical School, Office of Education, Minneapolis, MN.

Sara G. Tariq

SARA TARIQ, MD, is an associate professor of Medicine and Medical Director, Center for Clinical Skills Education and Course Director, Introduction to Clinical Medicine II, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR.

Elizabeth Hicks

ELIZABETH HICKS, MEd, is an instructional development specialist, Graduate Medical Education, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR.