Status of evidence-based chronic diseases prevention implementation in Shanghai, China: A qualitative study

Given the rapid increase in chronic disease epidemics in developing countries and the lagging research and practice in evidence-based chronic diseases prevention (EBCDP), we evaluated the status of public health practitioners' implementation of EBCDP and its impeding factors in China, as well as made a comparison between China and the developed countries to encourage better utilisation of this new field of science in China.

We interviewed health practitioners and patients from various health institutions in China and conducted a literature review to assess the current status of EBCDP practice in developed countries and identify the contextual driving factors.

China is in its initial stage of EBCDP practice, as it lacks evidence-based interventions. Moreover, health practitioners' awareness of EBCDP is inadequate. The lack of policy support, especially funding, has restricted the efficiency and quality of EBCDP in terms of its adoption, implementation, and maintenance. Currently, EBCDP practice is limited to the practitioners' spontaneous behaviours. The literature review showed that developed countries practising EBCDP did well in evidence development and awareness; however, much has yet to be explored regarding practitioners' adoption and implementation and the maintenance of evidence-based practice. The impeding factors in developed countries were related to individual (patients and physicians) and organisational factors (such as resources, leaders, and climate).

To promote EBCDP practice in China, more evidence for effective chronic disease prevention programmes is needed, and multiple and flexible measures should be implemented for a successful transition to evidence-based practice.