Assessment of awareness and attitude of healthcare professionals towards the use of evidence-based medicine in the regional referral hospital

ObjectivesTo assess awareness and attitude of healthcare professionals (HCPs) towards the use of evidence-based medicine (EBM) at the Adama Hospital Medical College (AHMC), Adama, east shoa, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 36 physicians, 12 pharmacists, 55 nurses, 2 health officers and 10 laboratory technicians at the AHMC from 2 March to 30 May 2015. Structured pretested questionnaire was used to collect information and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Key findingsA total of 72% of HCPs were heard or aware of the EBM, 65% were reported using EBM in their practice and only 35% of HCPs attended workshop on EBM. Most of the respondents in this study had a positive attitude towards the use of EBM such as 78% of HCPs at AHMC were interested to increase the use of evidence in their daily practice, and 84% of HCPs were believed that EBM improves quality of care. The major perceived barriers observed in this study were limited resources and facilities (54%), followed by the patient overload (52%) and better understanding of research terms. ConclusionThe level of awareness and attitudes of HCPs towards the use of EBM was good at AHMC and their application of EBM to a patient in ordering laboratory tests and treatments was poor. The patient and HCP ratio should be balanced and prompt action is needed to improve access and to the implementation of evidence-based guidelines and summaries.