Knowledge of Sri Lankan government medical practitioners and medical students on standard treatment guidelines; regional cross sectional survey

Abstract

Introduction of module of rational use of medicine (RUM) to pharmacology curriculum requires analysis of existing knowledge among health care workers. We conducted this study to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of medical practitioners (MPs) and medical students (MSs) on Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) as an initial tread. 42 MPs and 120 MSs were selected and for this study and pretested structured questionnaire on STG and core policies of RUM were used to evaluate the key testing parameters. Results showed that only 78% of MPs were confident about their knowledge in STG and 7% of them were not attentive. Knowledge of MPs and MSs showed 78% and 84% on contents of STG while the knowledge in core policies was 73% and 34% respectively. More than 99% of MSs and 71% of MPs were attentive on the inclusion of clinical features of the illness in STG. Knowledge on updating and significance of STG as guidance for new prescribers of MPs were 84% and 88% respectively while 96% of MSs had acquainted in those two areas. Both groups had good knowledge on STG and they showed that STG were prepared with accordance with personnel experience (MPs-71%, MSs-74%). 80% of MSs and 75% MPs discerned that common treatment practices is not an inclusion criteria for STG. We found that MSs had good knowledge on contents of STG but skills in application in RUM were limited. MPs had good knowledge on core policies and application of STG but not familiar with principles of STG. We conclude that MPs need repetitive in-service training programs to ensure the adherence to STG and MSs are in need of skill development program to pertain STG in clinical practice.