Factors influencing evidence-based practice by Iranian general practitioners
International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance
ISSN: 0952-6862
Article publication date: 3 May 2013
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding general practitioners ' (GPs) research utilization (RU) behavior in Iran. It also aims to find possible barriers to research use among GPs to inform organizational change processes.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors modified the research utilization questionnaire developed by Estabrooks et al., to address physicians ' views. The questionnaire was piloted and its validity and reliability was assessed before being sent to GPs. A 77 percent response rate was eventually achieved.
Findings
Respondents were generally positive concerning research evidence use. Respondents ' mean attitude score was 25.3 (SD=5.6, min. 13, max. 37). However, less than 25 percent of the GPs practiced any form of RU in the last year. Absent facilities and resources, little authority to change practices, expected increases in patient visit durations and the poor access to research information were found to be the main RU barriers for GPs.
Practical implications
The borderline 77 percent response rate was reached despite sending questionnaires to non-responders two times. Considering the non-probability sampling used in this study, generalizing the results should be considered cautiously.
Originality/value
Research utilization programs are new in Iran and there is little evidence to inform policies. This study focused attitudes concerning RU and GPs ' knowledge concerning novel research and skills, and to some extent, GPs ' behaviors toward RU.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study was made possible by the Research Vice Chancellor of the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences ' financial support, in affiliation with the Iranian Center for Evidence Based Medicine – as well as support and help from the Educational Development Center, the Continuing Medical Education Office, the Health Vice Chancellor and the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Education Development Office.
Citation
Olfati, N., Dastgiri, S., Hajebrahimi, S. and Jahanbin, H. (2013), "Factors influencing evidence-based practice by Iranian general practitioners", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 26 No. 4, pp. 360-374. https://doi.org/10.1108/09526861311319582
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited