Knowledge versus practice: the necessity of education for successful guideline implementation

This study assessed physicians' familiarity with a practice guideline for bronchiolitis, evaluated attitudes regarding guidelines, determined preference of educational materials for guideline accessibility and examined the relationship between guideline familiarity and attitudes with clinical practice behaviors. Six months following guideline implementation, surveys were distributed to eligible physicians. The response rate was 68%. Retrospective analyses of inhalation therapies across three study cohorts were also performed. Most physicians surveyed in this study were aware of and utilized a recently introduced guideline, though use of unproven inhalation therapies continued. Despite demonstrated efficiencies of care, continued educational intervention is necessary to sustain these gains.