[What do general practitioners think about evidenced-based medicine? A study with focus groups]. / ¿Qué pensamos los médicos de familia sobre la medicina basada en la evidencia? Un estudio con grupos focales.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the attitudes of a sample of General Practitioners (GPs) towards Evidenced-Based Medicine (EBM) and its use and the obstacles to put into practice in Primary Care (PC). DESIGN: Qualitative study using Focus Groups (FG). SETTING: Primary Care in the Autonomous Community of Murcia, Spain, January-June 2007. PARTICIPANTS: GPs with a clinical practice in PC in the Murcian Health Service. METHOD: Two FG (with/without previous training in EBM). Using intentional sampling, 19 GPs were selected from PC professionals. The discussions were recorded on video and transcribed literally. The discussions were then, segmented, categorised and interpreted. RESULTS: Attitudes: EBM is useful, it helps to reduce variation in clinical practice and decreases uncertainty. Great importance is given to clinical experience and the role of the Pharmaceutical Industry and the Health Administration may have in its promotion is viewed with suspicion. Use: Its use is still limited. To consult with colleagues continues to be the main source of information. Obstacles: The major difficulties identified were the limited time it has been available, lack of experience and the language. CONCLUSIONS: Although GPs show a positive attitude towards EBM, there are still a few who recognise the use of consultation. The main limitation identified was lack of time in the clinic due to excessive pressure of care work. To increase its use, they proposed, more training activities, motivation by an appropriate process and reorganisation of their care work.

How to apply for research grants in allergology.

This is a guide for grant application for researchers seeking research grants in the field of allergy and related diseases for the first time. It outlines how to organize proposals and the potential issues to be considered in order to fulfil the criteria of the funding bodies and thus improve chances of obtaining the desired funding when applying for a research grant. We will use this paper as an example of a grant proposal to be presented to the FIS "Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria" (Health Research Fund) of Spain. The general framework can be used for a research proposal to any funding agency. The main research designs are reviewed. Other topics such as hypothesis, objectives, methodology, ethics and legal issues, and budget are presented.