Development of a tool to assess the impact of a brief counseling curriculum: Validation of the Attitudes to Psychological Interventions and Counseling in Primary Care (APIC-PC) survey

Patient Educ Couns. 2011 Dec;85(3):481-6. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2010.10.023. Epub 2010 Dec 4.

Abstract

Objective: To develop and validate an instrument to assess knowledge and attitudes regarding the use of psychological interventions in primary care.

Methods: A 13-item questionnaire was developed based on literature review and expert panel discussion. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were carried out to test the construct validity of the subscales. Item-scale correlations were used to test the construct validity of the items. Internal reliability was tested by Cronbach's alpha. Responsiveness of the instrument was evaluated by using independent t-test of pre and post program scores.

Results: Exploratory factor analysis extracted four factors: skills and knowledge, confidence to provide counseling, willingness to provide counseling, and curriculum needs. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated excellent goodness-of-fit. Item scale correlations confirmed convergent and discriminant validity. Good responsiveness was shown on independent t-test of the pre and post responses.

Conclusions: The Attitudes to Psychological Interventions and Counseling in Primary Care (APIC-PC) survey is a valid and responsive instrument for assessing knowledge and attitudes regarding psychological approaches in patient management (mental health care).

Practice implications: Psycho-social counseling skills training is increasingly being recognised as a valuable component of undergraduate primary care medical education. The APIC-PC is a useful tool for evaluating the impact of such programs.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Counseling / education*
  • Curriculum
  • Education, Medical, Undergraduate / methods
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Primary Health Care / organization & administration
  • Psychometrics / instrumentation*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Students, Medical / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*
  • Young Adult