Using Patient-Oriented Evidence-Based Information Guides in Practice: The Family Physician and Community Pharmacist Perspective

Objective: To assess the acceptability, utility, and effectiveness of evidence-based information guides for three conditions (sore throat, heartburn, or osteoporosis), designed with patient input, from the perspective of family physicians and community pharmacists. Method: A cross-sectional survey design was used. Fifty-three family physicians and 29 community pharmacists from three study regions in Canada (Halifax, Hamilton, Vancouver) participated in this study, which examined the effectiveness of the therapeutic information guides in 1,176 patients. The acceptability, utility, and impact of the guides were measured in a structured exit interview consisting of 13 questions with the physicians and pharmacists. Results: No problems with the content were reported by 97% of physicians and 100% of pharmacists. Fifty-three percent of physicians and 41% of pharmacists felt the inclusion of absolute numbers and graphs to explain the risks and benefits of therapy had an impact on drug use and selection. Ninety-eight percent of physicians and 81% of pharmacists reported that the information guides helped their patients understand the issues involved in their condition and their treatment options. Conclusion: The simple evidence-based therapeutic information guides were well accepted by health care professionals and found useful in facilitating transfer of therapeutic information to patients.