Primary healthcare provider-perceived barriers to implementing an evidence-based pathway for undifferentiated lower gastrointestinal tract symptoms: A qualitative inquiry
2024

Barriers to Implementing Evidence-Based Gastrointestinal Care Pathway

Sample size: 15 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sharma Sowmya, Stewart Michael J., Mathias Holly, Novak Kerri, Veldhuyzen Van Zanten Sander, Heisler Courtney, Richard Sharon, Neil Emily, Burge Frederick, Smith Aaron, Peltekian Kevork, Patel Sunil, Jones Jennifer L.

Primary Institution: John Hopkins University

Hypothesis

What are the behavioral and environmental barriers to implementing evidence-based care pathways for undifferentiated lower gastrointestinal tract symptoms in primary care?

Conclusion

Primary healthcare providers identified several barriers to implementing evidence-based clinical care pathways for gastrointestinal issues, despite their potential to improve care quality.

Supporting Evidence

  • Over 20 million Canadians suffer from digestive disorders every year.
  • Primary healthcare providers are often the first point of medical care for digestive disorders.
  • Implementation of evidence-based clinical care pathways can reduce unnecessary tests and improve patient access to care.

Takeaway

Doctors want to help patients with stomach problems, but they face many challenges that make it hard to do so, like not having enough information or resources.

Methodology

One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with primary healthcare providers, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Limitations

The small sample size may not capture all physician experiences, and the study context may limit generalizability to other healthcare systems.

Participant Demographics

{"gender_distribution":{"men":4,"women":11},"mean_age":42,"urban_rural_distribution":{"urban":12,"rural":3}}

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0313201

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