The dissemination of new medical information

Abstract

Dissemination of new medical information to the practicing physician is complex and often faulty. To examine the magnitude of this problem, primary care physicans were surveyed to determine their knowledge of the results of the cooperative trial of photocoagulation in diabetic retinopathy. Despite the acknowledged relevance to their practice, only 28% (38/137) of family physicians and 46% (42/91) of internists were aware of the study results (P < .001). Respondents were asked to manage 2 patient [human] problems involving diabetic retinopathy. Only 33% (75/229) handled both correctly, although the retinopathy photocoagulation study was published 18 mo. earlier. Findings indicate that results from clinical trials may not be disseminated to practicing physicians and not incorporated into practice. Attention should be directed toward making findings from clinical trials available to practitioners.