Surgeon perceptions and utilization of evidence-based medicine

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Practice
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• Knowledge translation aims to integrate evidence into medical practice by identifying barriers.
• Surgeon characteristics are crucial but poorly understood determinants of knowledge translation tool uptake.
• Understanding surgeons' perceptions of evidence-based medicine (EBM) and their response to new evidence is vital for point-of-care application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how surgeons' perceptions of EBM and their behavioral responses to new evidence influence their awareness and use of evidence-based summaries.
• To investigate the association between surgeon characteristics and compliance with a shunt infection prevention protocol.
• To examine the relationship between surgeon attitudes towards EBM and their knowledge of relevant guidelines.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey administered to faculty surgeons in North American pediatric Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Networks.
• Data collected on surgeon attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors related to EBM and evidence-based practice.
• Analysis of associations between surgeon characteristics and shunt infection prevention protocol compliance and guideline knowledge.

Main Results:

• Surgeons valuing evidence over experience demonstrated significantly higher compliance with the shunt infection prevention protocol (OR 5.27 for seekers, OR 4.32 for receptives).
• Overall knowledge of pediatric hydrocephalus guidelines was modest among participants.
• A more favorable attitude toward EBM correlated with better identification of guideline statements (OR 1.07 per 10-point increase).

Conclusions:

• Surgeons exhibit variable knowledge and behavioral responses to evidence that should inform patient care.
• Specific surgeon characteristics are demonstrably linked to the practical application of evidence in surgical settings.
• Knowledge translation interventions should incorporate assessments of surgeon attitudes and behaviors to enhance the use of evidence-based summaries at the point of care.