Factors influencing evidence-based practice by Iranian general practitioners

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Health Services Research
• General Practice

Background:

• Research utilization (RU) is crucial for evidence-based practice in healthcare.
• Understanding general practitioners' (GPs) RU behavior is vital for improving healthcare quality.
• Limited data exists on RU among GPs in Iran.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the research utilization (RU) behavior of general practitioners (GPs) in Iran.
• To identify barriers hindering GPs' research use in their practice.
• To inform the development of effective RU programs and organizational changes.

Main Methods:

• A modified version of the Estabrooks et al. research utilization questionnaire was used.
• The questionnaire underwent pilot testing, validity, and reliability assessments.
• A response rate of 77% was achieved from general practitioners.

Main Results:

• GPs generally held positive attitudes towards using research evidence.
• Less than 25% of GPs reported practicing any form of research utilization in the past year.
• Key barriers identified include absent facilities/resources, limited authority, increased patient visit times, and poor access to research information.

Conclusions:

• Despite positive attitudes, low reported research utilization among Iranian GPs highlights significant implementation challenges.
• Absent resources, poor information access, and practice constraints are major barriers to RU.
• Findings suggest a need for targeted interventions to support research utilization programs for GPs in Iran.