Coronary heart disease multiple risk factor reduction. Providers' perspectives.

Background: Although primary care physicians understand the importance of preventive services for patients with multiple risk factors (MRF) for coronary heart disease, physician intervention is limited. This study investigated (1) physicians' views of challenges faced in managing patients with MRF; (2) the counseling and management methods they utilize; and (3) possible strategies to enhance MRF intervention in the primary care setting.

Methods: Two focus groups were conducted with primary care physicians from varying settings to gain insight into these issues noted above.