The effect of the publication of a major clinical trial in a high impact journal on clinical practise: the ORACLE Trial experience.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the short term effect of the publication of a major clinical trial on clinical practise.


METHODS
Questionnaire survey of clinical practise.


METHODS
UK.


METHODS
All maternity units in the UK.


METHODS
A self-administered questionnaire completed by lead consultants on delivery suite of maternity units.


METHODS
Changes in antibiotic prescription.


RESULTS
Within six months of publication, approximately 50% of maternity units had changed their guidelines for the care of women with preterm prelabour rupture of the fetal membranes.


CONCLUSIONS
Publication of a major clinical trial does impact on clinical practise but the impact is heterogeneous in terms of time and consistency.
Kenyon
Sara
S
Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, P.O. Box 65, UK.
Taylor
David J
DJ
D019980:Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000188:drug therapy; D006771:Hospitals, Maternity; D006801:Humans; D008427:Maternal Health Services; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000188:drug therapy; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods; D011643:Publishing; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom
D004917:Erythromycin; D019980:Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination