Norwegian Physicians' Knowledge of and Opinions about Evidence-Based Medicine: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo answer five research questions: Do Norwegian physicians know about the three important aspects of EBM? Do they use EBM methods in their clinical practice? What are their attitudes towards EBM? Has EBM in their opinion changed medical practice during the last 10 years? Do they use EBM based information sources?DesignCross sectional survey in 2006.SettingNorway.Participants966 doctors who responded to a questionnaire (70% response rate).ResultsIn total 87% of the physicians mentioned the use of randomised clinical trials as a key aspect of EBM, while 53% of them mentioned use of clinical expertise and only 19% patients' values. 40% of the respondents reported that their practice had always been evidence-based. Many respondents experienced difficulties in using EBM principles in their clinical practice because of lack of time and difficulties in searching EBM based literature. 80% agreed that EBM helps physicians towards better practice and 52% that it improves patients' health. As reasons for changes in medical practice 86% of respondents mentioned medical progress, but only 39% EBM.ConclusionsThe results of the study indicate that Norwegian physicians have a limited knowledge of the key aspects of EBM but a positive attitude towards the concept. They had limited experience in the practice of EBM and were rather indifferent to the impact of EBM on medical practice. For solving a patient problem, physicians would rather consult a colleague than searching evidence based resources such as the Cochrane Library.

The significance of attitudes towards evidence-based practice in information technology use in the health sector: an empirical investigation

“…Specifically, our results are in line with previous research, suggesting that no significant differences exist in attitudes towards EBP between male and female respondents and that younger medical staff holds more favourable attitudes towards EBP compared with their older colleagues (see Jette et al 2003, O'Donnell 2004, Ulvenes et al 2009). Additionally, significant differences between medical specialties were found (Ulvenes et al 2009): (F(4, 266) = 7.17, p < 0.001).…”

“…Based on previous research, the following variables were tested: individual's age, tenure, specialty, ICT knowledge, perceptions of organisational climate (innovation climate and tradition climate), individual optimism and individual innovativeness (Jette et al 2003, O'Donnell 2004, Aarons et al 2009, Ulvenes et al 2009). The between subjects analysis, shown in Table 4, illustrates that groups do, in fact, .…”

Organdonasjon og norske legers behov for opplæring

“…It seems as though many doctors lack a strategy for communication with relatives and that they were not familiar with or did not follow evidence-based recommendations. Another Norwegian study shows that doctors find it difficult to practise evidence-based medicine -they prefer to consult with a colleague rather than seek advice from recent research literature (9). This appears to apply to organ donation as well -established practices within the department are continued.…”

Le transfert de connaissances au RRSSTQ

“…L'importance accordée ici à la fonction de relayeur et l'importance de les inté-grer tout au long du processus de développement des outils de relais rejoignent diverses données de la littérature. Les études montrent, par exemple, que la source première d'information -et de loin -repose sur les collègues (Hayward et al, 1997;Ulvenes et al, 2009). Les individus privilégient les ressources locales et les guides locaux, car plus proches de leur réalité (Armstrong, 2003;Desmarais et al, 2009).…”