Abstract

In this article we describe health promotion practices of emergency physicians (EPs). A survey was mailed to members of the West Virginia American College of Emergency Physicians. Main outcomes included the EP's beliefs regarding health promotion, perceived roles in health promotion, and perceived effectiveness in modifying the behavior of patients. Over 90% of respondents routinely asked about cigarette smoking and half about alcohol use. A minority routinely asked about illicit drug use, diet, exercise, domestic violence, or stress. The majority stated they were the main person responsible for patient health education in their emergency department (ED). Most felt prepared to counsel patients about smoking (68%) and alcohol (59%), although very few described themselves as successful in helping patients change their behavior. Although EPs feel responsible for promoting the health of their patients, only a minority reported routinely screening and counseling patients about prevention and most were not confident in their ability to help patients change their health-related behaviors.

Author Keywords: Prevention; emergency medicine; health promotion

Corresponding author. Address reprint requests to Dr Williams, WVU Center for Rural Emergency Medicine, PO Box 9151, Morgantown, WV 26506-9151.

*1 Supported by Grant Number R49/CCR308469-05 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC.