An interventional study: impact of an evidence-based medicine educational program on knowledge, attitude, and practice of physicians in Benha University Hospitals

Abstract

Objective The aim of the present study was to examine the changes in knowledge, attitude, and practice of evidence-based medicine (EBM) among physicians. Patients and methods The present interventional study was conducted from December 2012 to December 2013 at Benha University Hospitals in the Qualibia governorate, Egypt. Data were collected in three stages: first, by determining the physicians’ knowledge, attitude, and practice toward EBM; second, by conducting an educational program to increase awareness and improve attitude and practice of physicians toward EBM; and, third, by determining their knowledge, attitude, and practice toward EBM after the program. A total of 220 self-administrated questionnaires were distributed to physicians in different specialties. Findings The response rate was 70.5% across different specialties. Overall, 73.2% of the physicians had poor knowledge of EBM before the program, which decreased to 40.2% after the program. This change was statistically significant. Most of the physicians had a high attitude score (92.3 and 97.3%) toward EBM before and after the program, respectively. Poor percentage of physicians (before and after the program) reported attending any courses in EBM (18.2 and 24.5%). More than 60% physicians (before and after the program) used the Internet to inform their practice. The most prevalent barrier against the use of EBM among physicians was the attitude of colleagues (94.6% before and 89% after the program). Conclusion After the educational program, knowledge on evidence-based practice improved markedly. Physicians’ attitude towards EBM was positive before and after the program. Changes in practice were small, and were based on the frequency of searching and appraisal activities.