Attitudes and barriers to evidence-based guidelines among UK occupational physicians

Background: The Faculty of Occupational Medicine and NHS Plus are working to increase the availability and uptake of evidence-based guidelines (EBGs) among occupational physicians in the UK. Physicians' attitudes and beliefs may influence their uptake of EBG; additionally, there are barriers that may make physicians feel unable to practise evidence-based medicine (EBM). Aims: To determine the attitudes of occupational physicians in the UK towards EBG, what prevents them from practising EBM and their workplace Internet access. Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were posted to 357 physicians chosen randomly from the Society of Occupational Medicine membership list. Responders were stratified according to occupational medicine professional grade. The data were analysed using Cronbach's alpha, analysis of variance, chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: A total of 259 occupational physicians responded giving a response rate of 73%. The attitude questionnaire showed good reliability. Occupational medicine specialists were more positive towards EBG than general practitioners. Overall, the respondents were more positive towards EBG than physicians in previous studies. The most common barriers to practising EBM were lack of time and limited availability of guidelines. The majority of respondents had workplace Internet access. Conclusions: UK occupational physicians have a positive attitude towards EBG. However, this study has identified a need to make EBG more readily accessible to them. In addition, occupational physicians require adequate time to practise EBM in their daily work. Educational workshops should be developed to enhance their literature search techniques, critical appraisal skills and application of EBM in clinical practice. Online training programmes should be considered to take advantage of their Internet access.