Needs assessment for psychotherapy training among family medicine physicians practicing at PSMMC, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 2017-2018

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to identify the current attitudes, knowledge, and practice of family medicine physicians regarding psychotherapy, and to identify needs for further training, if any, on psychotherapy. Results: The average knowledge score for psychotherapy was 90.7%. There is no evidence, using regression analysis, of association between knowledge score and the physician’s characteristics. The answers in the attitude section revealed a positive attitude from the family physicians towards psychotherapy, along with a willingness to be trained. Majority of PHC physicians indicated they are already practicing psychotherapy at their clinics. There are several prominent barriers for conducting psychotherapy within PHC clinical settings e.g. lack of time, lack of training, and lack of skills.