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Health Research Policy and Systems
Published in: Health Research Policy and Systems 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research

Meeting physicians’ needs: a bottom-up approach for improving the implementation of medical knowledge into practice

Authors: Carla Vaucher, Emilie Bovet, Theresa Bengough, Vincent Pidoux, Michèle Grossen, Francesco Panese, Bernard Burnand

Published in: Health Research Policy and Systems | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Multiple barriers to knowledge translation in medicine have been identified (ranging from information overload to abstraction of models), leading to important implementation gaps. This study aimed at assessing the suggestions of practicing physicians for possible improvements of knowledge translation (KT) effectiveness into clinical practice.

Methods

We used a mixed methods design. French- German- and Italian-speaking general practitioners, psychiatrists, orthopaedic surgeons, cardiologists, and diabetologists practicing in Switzerland were interrogated through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and an online survey.

Results

A total of 985 physicians from three regions of Switzerland participated in the online survey, whereas 39 participated in focus group discussions and 14 in face-to-face interviews. Physicians expressed limitations and difficulties related to KT into their daily practice. Several barriers were identified, including influence and pressure of pharmaceutical companies, non-publication of negative results, mismatch between guidelines and practice, education gaps, and insufficient collaboration between research and practice. Suggestions to overcome barriers were improving education concerning the evaluation of scientific publications, expanding applicability of guidelines, having free and easy access to independent journals, developing collaborations between research and practice, and creating tools to facilitate access to medical information.

Conclusions

Our study provides suggestions for improving KT into daily medical practice, matching the views, needs and preferences of practicing physicians. Responding to suggestions for improvements brought up by physicians may lead to better knowledge translation, higher professional satisfaction, and better healthcare outcomes.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Meeting physicians’ needs: a bottom-up approach for improving the implementation of medical knowledge into practice
Authors
Carla Vaucher
Emilie Bovet
Theresa Bengough
Vincent Pidoux
Michèle Grossen
Francesco Panese
Bernard Burnand
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Health Research Policy and Systems / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1478-4505
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-016-0120-5

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