ACCEPTANCE AND USE OF PUT PREVENTION INTO PRACTICE MATERIALS AT AN INNER-CITY HOSPITAL

Many studies indicate that physicians' prevention practices frequently differ from published guidelines. Put Prevention into Practice (PPIP) consists of a variety of paper-based materials for providers, patient s, and the office setting designed to enhance the delivery of clinical preventive services. Prototype PPIP materials were distributed to phy sicians and patients at the Harlem Hospital medical clinic in conjunct ion with a series of prevention lectures for physicians. Acceptance an d use of these materials were assessed through self-administered quest ionnaires for physicians and structured interviews for patients. A reg ression analysis was conducted to assess correlates of physician use o f PPIP materials. Physicians reported a high degree of use of and sati sfaction with PPIP materials. Multiple regression analysis indicated t hat the physicians' perceived self-efficacy in their ability to provid e preventive counseling to patients at baseline was significantly asso ciated with increased use of PPIP materials. When controlling for base line physician self-efficacy physicians whose self-efficacy increased during the study period were more likely to have used the materials. A majority of patients (53%) reported that the main patient-based compo nent of the program-a pocket-sized booklet providing health education information and record-keeping of preventive tests and procedures-was very useful. Results from this study indicate a high degree of accepta nce of prototype PPIP materials by physicians and patients at an inner -city hospital. Educational programs for physicians that enhance physi cian self-efficacy may be more effective in helping practitioners to a dopt office-based prevention resources.