Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship that exists between familiarization and implementation of current evidence-based medicine guidelines in the management of congestive heart failure among physicians. This study also investigated the impact that physician attitudes and preferences toward procurement sources have upon incorporating current research into their practice. Theoretical Framework. The theoretical framework of this study is based on the research foundations of: Bounded Rationality, Decision Theory, and the Theory of Probability. Methodology. The subjects in the present study were 30 physicians who maintain a practice in California with a specialty or secondary specialty in adult cardiology. Subjects responded to one research instrument, which consisted of a 75-item survey designed around eight key elements. Seven of the key elements were of a clinical nature (diagnostic and pharmacological/nonpharmacological guidelines), and one key element of a nonclinical nature (research procurement preferences). Findings. Examination of the quantitative data from the survey instrument indicated that there is a strong correlation between familiarity with the current research in evidence-based medicine guidelines regarding congestive heart failure and the implementation of those guidelines. Other significant findings addressed the familiarity with and implementation of JCAHO Core Measures and ACC/AHA heart failure stages among female physicians as compared with male physicians. Conclusions and recommendations. The data support the conclusion that physicians who are more familiar with evidence-based guidelines in the management of congestive heart failure are more likely to implement the guidelines in their practice. Further research is advised to investigate the possibilities of a more efficient process of meeting the needs of physicians in the dissemination and procurement process of the most current research. It is recommended that the study be replicated with a greater number of subjects and with a nationwide scope. Further research is also advised to investigate the practice of female vs. male physicians regarding the implementation of current evidence-based medicine in the management of congestive heart failure.