Ca. Lock et al., Changes in receptionists' attitudes towards involvement in a general practice-based trial of screening and brief alcohol intervention, BR J GEN PR, 50(451), 2000, pp. 111-115
Background. Primary health care receptionists are increasingly expected to
be involved in research. However, little is known about receptionists' atti
tudes to research or health programmes.
Aim. To examine changes in receptionists' attitudes, with different levels
of training and support, towards involvement in a general practice-based tr
ial of screening and brief alcohol intervention.
Method. Subjects were 84 receptionists, one per practice, who assisted in t
he implementation of a screening and brief alcohol intervention programme.
Receptionists were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: control (n
o training or support), training alone, and training plus ongoing telephone
support. Baseline and follow-up questionnaires were used to assess changes
in receptionists' attitudes.
Results. Of 40 items that measured receptionists' attitudes to involvement
in the programme, 70% had deteriorated after three months, 20% significantl
y so. There was no effect of training and support condition. Receptionists'
and GPs' attitudes to research and health programmes conflicted.
Conclusion. Receptionists developed more negative views about involvement i
n research and health programmes over the three-month study period, regardl
ess of level of training and support.