Online questionnaire survey on knowledge of systemic lupus erythematosus among general practitioners in Beijing Dongcheng district / 中华全科医师杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To survey knowledge of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) among general practitioners in Beijing Dongcheng district.@*Methods@#In November 2017, an online questionnaire survey on knowledge of SLE was conducted among 226 general practitioners from 7 community health service centers and 44 community health service stations in Beijing Dongcheng district. The questionnaire included three parts: the basic information of participants, SLE-related knowledge and the demand of continuing education for SLE.@*Results@#Total 225 valid questionnaires were received with a retrieval rate of 99.6%. The overall accuracy rate was 47.0%(1 269/2 700). And the rates of correct answer for SLE diagnosis, treatment and management were 28.3% (191/675), 58.4%(526/900) and 49.0%(551/1 125), respectively. Educational background, professional titles and working years had a certain impact on the level of SLE disease-related knowledge. Higher educational level and longer working years were associated with the higher knowledge level of SLE treatment goals (χ2=6.054, 4.296; P<0.05). Knowledge scores regarding side effects of glucocorticoid were slightly higher in GPs who were working for a longer time and in senior positions (χ2=6.048,5.499;P<0.05). In addition, the study also identified SLE patients in 5 community health centers and 15 community health service stations, who were given medications of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants. Fewer SLE patients presented to the community health service and lack of learning resources mainly affected the GPs′ perception of SLE, as well as patient management. Besides, 79.6%(179/225) of GPs perceived that community management of SLE patients is necessary and they would be interested in receiving further training on SLE. The most preferred method of training delivery was short courses and lectures.@*Conclusion@#The knowledge and practice of SLE need improvement among GPS, especially early identification and long-term management. Fewer patients and lack of learning resources are the primary barriers. The results of the study are of practical significance for the training of general practitioners in the future.