Related Experiment Videos
Sources of influence on medical practice
L A Fernández1, J M Martín, J D del Castillo
1Andalusian School of Public Health (EASP), Granada, Spain. luisandres@easp.es
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
|July 13, 2000
Summary
General practitioners value professional development and peer discussion most for medical practice influence. They devalue financial incentives and pharmaceutical industry roles, highlighting differing value systems in healthcare.
Area of Science:
- Medical Practice
- Healthcare Management
- Professional Development
Background:
- Medical practice is influenced by various factors.
- Understanding general practitioners' (GPs) perspectives on these influences is crucial for effective healthcare delivery.
- Identifying key drivers of medical practice is essential for policy and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore general practitioners' opinions on the importance and legitimacy of different sources influencing medical practice.
- To compare GPs' views with prevailing management strategies.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among 723 general practitioners in two Spanish regions.
- A self-administered questionnaire assessed the importance and legitimacy of various influence sources using Likert scales.
- Data were collected via mail and hand delivery.
Main Results:
- GPs identified training courses, scientific articles, self-developed protocols, and colleague discussions as most important and legitimate influences.
- Financial incentives and the pharmaceutical industry were rated as least important and legitimate.
- A discrepancy exists between GPs' perceived influences and management-favored strategies.
Conclusions:
- The professional system (training, peer discussion) is highly valued by GPs for influencing medical practice.
- GPs do not prioritize financial incentives, contrasting with management culture.
- Perceived influences may reflect distinct "value systems" rather than the actual network of influences in medical practice.