Understanding Barriers to the Adoption of Clinical Decision Rules

Abstract

We read with interest the study by Graham et al (article #113506) 1 Graham ID Stiell IG Laupacis A et al. Ann Emerg Med. 2001; 37: 259-266 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (88) Google Scholar in the March 2001 issue of Annals and applaud their groundbreaking efforts to characterize the knowledge and attitudes of emergency physicians from 5 different countries regarding clinical decision rules. However, we believe there are other factors to consider in improving physician use of decision rules. Awareness and use of the ottawa ankle and knee rules in 5 countries: Can publication alone be enough to change practice?Annals of Emergency MedicineVol. 37Issue 3PreviewStudy Objectives: We evaluate the international diffusion of the Ottawa Ankle and Knee Rules and determine emergency physicians’ attitudes toward clinical decision rules in general. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, self-administered mail survey of random samples of 500 members each of the American College of Emergency Physicians, Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians, British Association for Accident and Emergency Medicine, Spanish Society for Emergency Medicine, and all members (n=1,350) of the French Speaking Society of Emergency Physicians, France. Full-Text PDF