Towards better prescribing - a model for implementing clinical guidelines in primary care organisations in the NHS

Author: Rashidian Arash   Russell Ian  

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Ltd

ISSN: 1477-7274

Source: Clinical Governance: An International Journal, Vol.8, Iss.1, 2003-02, pp. : 26-32

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Abstract

Clinical guidelines aim to disseminate evidence and thus to change behaviour. This process is complex and needs a coherent approach. Aims to develop a model for implementing clinical guidelines in primary care and thus influencing prescribing by general practitioners (GPs). A total of 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs and primary care academics. To enrich the model an ongoing literature review of guideline implementation and changing prescribing behaviour was used. A simple model was derived to guide primary care organisations and GPs in implementing guidelines for prescribing, which comprises six steps: choose the condition; choose the guideline; identify influential people; identify organisational factors; plan and adopt an implementation strategy; and monitor the resulting adherence. The model provides a framework for planning the implementation of guidelines, and recognising barriers that hinder adherence to guidelines. It may help to explain why clinical guidelines vary in their uptake.