Knowledge and attitudes of family physicians about clinical practice guidelines and the care of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

ABSTRACT

This study examined the attitudes of Louisiana family physicians toward clinical practice guidelines in general and specifically how attitudes and familiarity with the American Diabetes Association Clinical Recommendations (ADACR) correlated with knowledge and evidence-based "best practice" in the care of type 2 diabetes. Surveys were mailed to a random sample of 278 eligible physicians from which a 32% response rate was obtained (n = 90). Family physicians' general attitudes towards guidelines were neutral. Attitude correlated significantly with knowledge of the ADACR (P = .03) but not with "best practice". Despite low scores for knowledge, all but one of the ADACR were adhered to by more than 85% of respondents. Physician attitudes do not appear to be barriers to guideline implementation. Results may be used to focus studies of processes and outcomes in guideline implementation.