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Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine

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Open Access 01-12-2012 | Original research

Direct mail improves knowledge of basic life support guidelines in general practice: a randomised study

Authors: Niels Secher, Mette Marie Mikkelsen, Kasper Adelborg, Ronni Mikkelsen, Erik Lerkevang Grove, Jens Mørch Rubak, Peter Vedsted, Bo Løfgren

Published in: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Background

Implementation of new guidelines into clinical practice is often incomplete. Direct mail is a simple way of providing information to physicians and may improve implementation of new guidelines on basic life support (BLS). The aim of this study was to describe knowledge of the most recent European Resuscitation Council (ERC) Guidelines for BLS among general practitioners (GPs) and investigate whether direct mail improves theoretical knowledge of these guidelines.

Methods

All general practice clinics (n=351) in Central Denmark Region were randomised to receive either direct mail (intervention) or no direct mail (control). The direct mail consisted of the official ERC BLS/AED poster and a cover letter outlining changes in compression depth and frequency in the new guidelines. In general practice clinics randomised to intervention, every GP received a direct mail addressed personally to him/her. Two weeks later, a multiple-choice questionnaire on demographics and BLS guidelines were mailed to GPs in both groups.

Results

In total, 830 GPs were included in this study (direct mail, n=408; control, n=422). The response rate was 58%. The majority (91%) of GPs receiving direct mail were familiar with BLS Guidelines 2010 compared to 72% in the control group (P<0.001). Direct mail improved knowledge of the new recommended chest compression depth (67% vs. 40%, P<0.001) and chest compression frequency (62% vs. 40%, P<0.001).

Conclusion

Direct mail improved knowledge of changes in BLS guidelines and thus facilitated the implementation of this knowledge into clinical practice. Resuscitation councils and medical societies may consider using direct mail as a simple strategy to facilitate implementation of changes in clinical guidelines.

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Title: Direct mail improves knowledge of basic life support guidelines in general practice: a randomised study
Authors: Niels Secher
Mette Marie Mikkelsen
Kasper Adelborg
Ronni Mikkelsen
Erik Lerkevang Grove
Jens Mørch Rubak
Peter Vedsted
Bo Løfgren
Publication date: 01-12-2012
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1757-7241
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-7241-20-72

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Direct mail improves knowledge of basic life support guidelines in general practice: a randomised study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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