Education of Physicians and its Impact on the Management of Chronic Venous Insufficiency – Our Experience

Abstract Introduction: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a very common chronic disease, yet often overlooked by healthcare providers. Education of physicians may have a positive impact on better recognition and treatment of patients with CVI. Material and Methods: During the one year period (2011), we conducted a series of specialized courses on CVI for physicians in the South Bačka region. Before and after each course, the attendants were asked to complete entry and exit tests. During two three-year periods, before and after the education courses (2008 - 2010, and 2012 - 2014), data on hospital morbidity and number of patients with CVI, examined by physicians in general practice and in dermatological outpatient facilities in South Bačka region, Province of Vojvodina, were gathered and analyzed. Results: In the period 2008 - 2010, a total of 1.128 patients were hospitalized due to CVI with an average length of stay of 6.42 days. In the period 2012 - 2014, 1.296 patients were hospitalized and the average length of stay was 3.76 days. The number of hospitalizations increased in second period by 14.89%, and the average length of stay decreased by 41.43%. In the period 2008 - 2010, the total number of patients with CVI in the general practice was 13.624 and in the second period 14.931 patients. The number of examinations increased by 9.59%. In the period 2008 - 2010, there were 1.094 patients with CVI in dermatological outpatient facilities, and 1.165 patients in the second period,. A slight increase of 6.09% was noticed. After analyzing the entry and exit test results, on average, there were 7.35 correct answers in the entry test, and 8.89 correct answers in the exit test. An increase in knowledge by 20.95% was established. Conclusion: Education of physicians in primary and secondary health care facilities may have a positive impact on early diagnosis and better treatment of patients with CVI.