Promoting evidence-based medicine in general practice-the impact of academic detailing.

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Abstract
Background. We undertook a project to promote evidence-based medicine (EBM) within a network of GPs (the Monash Division of General Practice) in Melbourne, Australia. A principal promotional strategy was to conduct practice visits (‘academic detailing’). Objectives. The aim of this study was to measure the impact of academic detailing on GP attitudes and knowledge of EBM. Methods. All 132 GP members of the division were invited by mail to accept a practice visit about EBM. The GPs had been randomized to one of two groups: to receive academic detailing during the study period or to be visited at a later date. The practice visit consisted of a 30– 45 minute discussion about EBM and the barriers to its practice. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires were used to measure change in knowledge of and attitudes to EBM over a 3-month period in both groups. Results and Conclusions. Academic detailing led to a significant improvement in knowledge scores and self-perceived understanding of EBM, but had little influence on GP attitudes toward it. It is not known whether this would lead to change in clinical behaviour among GPs.