RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Barriers to GPs' use of evidence-based medicine: a systematic review
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP e511
OP e521
DO 10.3399/bjgp12X652382
VO 62
IS 600
A1 Sandra Zwolsman
A1 Ellen te Pas
A1 Lotty Hooft
A1 Margreet Wieringa-de Waard
A1 Nynke van Dijk
YR 2012
UL http://bjgp.org/content/62/600/e511.abstract
AB Background GPs report various barriers to the use and practice of evidence-based medicine (EBM). A review of research on these barriers may help solve problems regarding the uptake of evidence in clinical outpatient practice.Aim To determine the barriers encountered by GPs in the practice of EBM and to come up with solutions to the barriers identified.Design A systematic review of the literature.Method The following databases were searched: MEDLINE® (PubMed®), Embase, CINAHL®, ERIC, and the Cochrane Library, until February 2011. Primary studies (all methods, all languages) that explore the barriers that GPs encounter in the practice of EBM were included.Results A total of 14 700 articles were identified, of which 22 fulfilled all inclusion criteria. Of the latter, nine concerned qualitative, 12 concerned quantitative, and one concerned both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The barriers described in the articles cover the categories: evidence (including the accompanying EBM steps), the GP’s preferences (experience, expertise, education), and the patient’s preferences. The particular GP setting also has important barriers to the use of EBM. Barriers found in this review, among others, include lack of time, EBM skills, and available evidence; patient-related factors; and the attitude of the GP.Conclusion Various barriers are encountered when using EBM in GP practice. Interventions that help GPs to overcome these barriers are needed, both within EBM education and in clinical practice.