ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess the level of awareness, perceptions and practices of Jeddah's physicians towards Evidence Based Medicine [EBM], and Evidence Based Practice Guidelines [EBPGs]
Design: A cross-sectional study was done
Setting: Selected Primary Health Care Centers [PHCCs], and outpatient clinics from King Abdulaziz University Hospital [KAUH]
Subjects: A sample of 260 physicians working at the chosen facilities
Intervention[s]: Physicians were selected through stratified random sample method. A standardized, anonymous, self administered questionnaire was used. Visual Analogue Scales were utilized to rate physicians' perceptions towards EBM. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done
Main outcome measure[s]: Identifying awareness, perceptions and practices of physicians towards EBM and EBPGs
Results: Only less than one-third of the physicians reported that they can understand and explain EBM terms such as relative risk [29.6%], absolute risk [28.1%] and meta-analysis [28.5%]. Most of the participants welcomed applying EBM in their practice. EBPG was reported as the most commonly used method for moving from opinion based practice to EBM. Lack of training [86.2%] and internet accessibility [71.5%] hindered EBM application in practice. No statistical associations were found between both genders concerning their perceptions towards EBM. Physicians from KAUH had significantly better perception than PHCCs physicians [p < 0.01] regarding the opinion that "adoption of EBM placed a burden on their already overloaded schedules". Concerning practice, 41.5% of the physicians did not perform any search influenced by their practice during the preceding year
Conclusion: Physicians had good perceptions towards EBM, but their awareness and practices need improvement. EBM training programs and increased workplace internet accessibility are required