The Assessment of Knowledge Levels and Practices of Family Physicians Practicing in Family Health Centers in Ankara with Regard to Well Child Follow-up

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of our study is to call attention to responsibilities of family physicians regarding well child follow‐up, which is very important to improve and support pediatric health, to refresh family physicians’ knowledge, and to emphasize the significance and vitality of well child follow-up. Materials and Methods: The study was planned as an observational and cross‐sectional survey study. The survey questions were prepared based on the guideline titled “Periodical Health Examinations and Screening Tests Recommended in Family Medicine Practice”, which was produced by the Turkish Ministry of Health and distributed to all family physicians. All family physicians practicing in Family Health Centers (FHC) located in Ankara were sent 4 e‐mails containing the link to the survey between December 1st, 2016 and February 2nd, 2017, and invited to participate in the study. Among the family physicians who agreed to participate in the study, 191 physicians who answered the section measuring their knowledge levels in full were included in the study. The overall knowledge level was calculated by scoring each correct answer as 1 point. The maximum score possible was 19 points. Results: The average total score of family physicians was found to be 9.73 ± 2.94 which was relatively low. A positive, weak, and significant correlation was found between knowledge level score and total months worked in FHC. Also, a positive and significant correlation was found between frequency of reading the guideline on well child follow‐up and knowledge level score. Further, it was revealed that family physicians mostly performed their daily practices related to well child follow‐up. However, it was seen that some non‐mandatory follow‐up practices were not sufficiently performed. Conclusion: This study showed that it was necessary to provide trainings for family physicians and to encourage them to use guidelines on the subject in order to ensure well child follow‐up is at the desired level in primary health care to raise a healthy generation.