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Open Access 01-12-2008 | Research article

Acceptance and perceived barriers of implementing a guideline for managing low back in general practice

Authors: Jean-François Chenot, Martin Scherer, Annette Becker, Norbert Donner-Banzhoff, Erika Baum, Corinna Leonhardt, Stefan Keller, Michael Pfingsten, Jan Hildebrandt, Heinz-Dieter Basler, Michael M Kochen

Published in: Implementation Science | Issue 1/2008

Abstract

Background

Implementation of guidelines in clinical practice is difficult. In 2003, the German College of General Practitioners and Family Physicians (DEGAM) released an evidence-based guideline for the management of low back pain (LBP) in primary care. The objective of this study is to explore the acceptance of guideline content and perceived barriers to implementation.

Methods

Seventy-two general practitioners (GPs) participating in quality circles within the framework of an educational intervention study for guideline implementation evaluated the LBP-guideline and its practicability with a standardised questionnaire. In addition, statements of group discussions were recorded using the metaplan technique and were incorporated in the discussion.

Results

Most GPs agree with the guideline content but believe that guideline stipulations are not congruent with patient wishes. Non-adherence to the guideline and contradictory information for patients by other professionals (e.g., GPs, orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists) are important barriers to guideline adherence. Almost half of the GPs have no access to recommended multimodal pain programs for patients with chronic LBP.

Conclusion

Promoting adherence to the LBP guideline requires more than enhancing knowledge about evidence-based management of LBP. Public education and an interdisciplinary consensus are important requirements for successful guideline implementation into daily practice. Guideline recommendations need to be adapted to the infrastructure of the health care system.

Trial registration

BMBF Grant Nr. 01EM0113. FORIS (database for research projects in social science) Reg #: 20040116 [25].

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Acceptance and perceived barriers of implementing a guideline for managing low back in general practice
Authors: Jean-François Chenot
Martin Scherer
Annette Becker
Norbert Donner-Banzhoff
Erika Baum
Corinna Leonhardt
Stefan Keller
Michael Pfingsten
Jan Hildebrandt
Heinz-Dieter Basler
Michael M Kochen
Publication date: 01-12-2008
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Implementation Science / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 1748-5908
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-3-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Acceptance and perceived barriers of implementing a guideline for managing low back in general practice

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

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