Examining Emergency Doctors' Perspectives and Attitudes Regarding EBM and Chest X-Ray Request for Abdominal Pain

This paper aims to examine the current practice of Emergency Department (ED) doctors in the utilisation of chest x-rays (CXRs) for the diagnosis of abdominal pain. It also aims to examine ED doctors' attitudes towards evidence-based medicine (EBM) and the perceived barriers to implementing EBM at workplaces.

A cross-sectional survey of ED doctors' utilisation of CXR for abdominal pain and their attitudes and perceived barriers to EBM was conducted using a modified validated questionnaire. The first section explored current practice and knowledge around the use of CXRs for patients who present with abdominal pain. The second section examined ED doctors' attitudes and approach to EBM. The final section examined ED doctors' implementation of EBM strategies in their workplace.

The survey was completed by 48 ED doctors from 16 different emergency departments throughout NSW. Almost 90% of participants (n = 43/48) agreed or strongly agreed that EBM was important in daily practice. 62.5% (n = 30/48) agreed or strongly agreed that their current practice was backed by EBM guidelines; however only 23% (n = 11/48) agreed or strongly agreed that they rely on scientific evidence only when making clinical decisions. 16.7% (n = 8/48) agreed or strongly agreed that changing current procedures at their workplace was straightforward.

ED doctors have positive attitudes towards EBM, even though they do not always rely solely on evidence for their practice. ED doctors are aware of the limitations of CXRs for the assessment of abdominal pain and are open to implementing guidelines to assist with imaging referrals.