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General practitioners and clinical guidelines
1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Health Science Building, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe.
East African Medical Journal
|April 26, 2001
Summary
General practitioners in Harare, Zimbabwe, generally hold positive attitudes towards clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). Most are willing to use CPGs and believe they improve treatment, but express concerns about reduced flexibility.
Area of Science:
- Medical Practice
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are essential tools for standardizing healthcare.
- Understanding general practitioners' (GPs) attitudes towards CPGs is crucial for effective implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the attitudes of general practitioners (GPs) in Harare, Zimbabwe, regarding the use of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 232 general practitioners in private practice in Harare, Zimbabwe.
- A questionnaire was used to gather data on GPs' attitudes towards CPGs.
Main Results:
- A 59.1% response rate was achieved (137 GPs).
- 95.6% believed GPs should be involved in guideline development; 72.6% had read guidelines; 65.9% were prepared to use them.
- While 61.6% thought CPGs improve treatment ability, 57.9% felt they wouldn't improve diagnostic ability; 66.2% perceived a reduction in practitioner flexibility.
Conclusions:
- GPs in Harare generally have favorable attitudes towards CPGs, with a willingness to use them and a belief in their utility for treatment.
- A significant concern among GPs is the potential limitation of flexibility and impact on diagnostic ability.
- Involving GPs in CPG development and addressing concerns about flexibility are key for successful implementation in general practice.