Table 2 Questions considered by GPs when deciding whether to follow a guideline
From: "What lies beneath it all?" – an interview study of GPs' attitudes to the use of guidelines
1. Can I trust the recommendations? | a. Are the recommendations driven by economic motives (rationing or profit)? |
b. Is the source trustworthy? | |
c. Is the evidence trustworthy? | |
2. Are the recommendations consistent with this patient's needs? | a. Is it possible to say no to patients' requests without disappointing them? |
b. Are patients likely to comply with recommended treatment? | |
3. Is following the recommendations feasible? | a. Are the recommendations easily accessible and comprehensible to me and the patient? |
b. Have I got the time to assess and follow the recommendations? | |
c. Have I got the necessary skills and resources to follow the recommendations? |