[Implementation of research results. Are physicians interested in reference programs?]

In a questionnaire we investigated whether 315 general practitioners (GPs), 79 heads of departments of medicine and 20 heads of departments of neuromedicine were aware of new national guidelines for oral anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation issued by the Danish Society of Internal Medicine. The guidelines were only known to 22% of the GPs, 6% of the neurological consultants and 64% of the medical consultants, but nevertheless only 4-7% of the doctors did not want distribution of guidelines. Fifty-four percent of the GPs and 12% of the specialists preferred the Danish College of General Practitioners to in some way participate in the development of guidelines. Our study suggests that guidelines are met with a positive response, but to obtain optimal use a powerful implementation effort must be recommended.