Training General Practitioners and Medical Assistants Within the Framework of HoPES3, a Holistic Care Program for Elderly Patients to Integrate Spiritual Needs, Social Activity, and Self-Care into Disease Management in Primary Care

Elke Kunsmann-Leutiger,1,* Cornelia Straßner,2,* Friederike Schalhorn,3 Regina Stolz,3 Gabriele Stotz-Ingenlath,1 Nicola Buhlinger-Göpfarth,2 Martina Bentner,2 Stefanie Joos,3 Jan Valentini,3 Eckhard Frick1 1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; 2Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; 3Institute of General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Eckhard FrickDepartment of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Technical University of Munich, Langerstrasse 3, München, 81675, GermanyTel +498923862230Fax +498923862402Email eckhard.frick@tum.deBackground: This study presents a concept for training general practitioners (GPs) in taking a spiritual history. In the same workshop, medical assistants (MAs) were trained in counselling elderly, chronically ill patients on social activities and home remedies. After the training, GPs and MAs will apply the acquired skills in their practices within the scope of the HoPES3 intervention study, which aims at raising patients’ self-efficacy.Methods: Sixteen GPs and 18 MAs were trained in a 5-hour workshop and completed an evaluation questionnaire.Results: All participants reported great satisfaction. In particular, 85% of GPs (n=11) affirmed increased capacity to address patients’ spiritual needs. About 88% (n=15) of MAs were satisfied with the training, yet expressed difficulties in integrating theoretical knowledge into daily professional routine.Discussion: While the evaluation of the workshop is promising, the results of the randomized-controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of the complete HoPES3 intervention have to be awaited.Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first interdisciplinary, holistic care training in primary care in Germany. It fosters GPs’ and MAs’ competency in providing a proactive support in spirituality, social activities, and home remedies to their patients. If the concept proves to be effective, it could be integrated into existing care models and curriculums and provide clear guidance on how to consider elderly patients’ spiritual needs and strengthen their self-efficacy in primary care settings.Keywords: primary care, spiritual care, holistic care, elderly patients, medical assistents