Related Experiment Videos
Self-reported versus actual test ordering behavior among primary care clinicians.
J M Schectman1, E G Elinsky, L G Pawlson
1George Washington University Health Plan, Washington, DC 20037.
QRB. Quality Review Bulletin
|February 1, 1992
Summary
Clinicians accurately estimated their thyroid function testing (TFT) patterns after an educational intervention. Self-reports closely matched actual test ordering rates, validating clinician self-assessment of practice guideline impact.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Medical Education
- Clinical Practice Improvement
Background:
- Accurate self-reporting of clinical practices is crucial for evaluating interventions.
- Understanding clinician perceptions of guideline impact is essential for effective implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the accuracy of clinician self-reports regarding thyroid function testing (TFT) patterns.
- To evaluate the correlation between self-reported changes and actual changes in TFT ordering post-intervention.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 38 clinicians in a university-based health maintenance organization (HMO) practice.
- Compared self-reported TFT ordering rates with actual rates one year after an educational intervention.
- Analyzed the difference between reported and actual test ordering patterns.
Main Results:
- The mean absolute difference between self-reported and actual TFT ordering rates was 12%.
- Only 3 of 33 clinicians showed a difference greater than 20%.
- A strong association (p < 0.0001) existed between self-reported and actual changes in TFT ordering.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians can accurately estimate their utilization patterns in certain settings.
- Self-reporting is a reliable method for assessing the impact of educational interventions and practice guidelines on clinician behavior.