The use of guidelines for dissemination of "best practice" in primary care of patients with eating disorders.
OBJECTIVE
A number of sets of clinical guidelines have been developed for the treatment of eating-disordered patients. This study aimed to measure adherence to such guidance among family physicians working in primary care settings.


METHODS
In the wake of the publication of national guidelines for "best practice," family physicians in a large but diverse geographical region of the UK (population of 6.4 million) were approached and asked to complete a two-stage survey.


RESULTS
Only 4% of these clinicians report using published guidelines or protocols, and none used the national guidelines that were available. Nor were these clinicians using the spirit of the guidelines, as there was little correspondence between recommended and actual treatment behavior.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that specialist eating disorders services should not rely on guidelines to ensure the dissemination of best practice for these patients in primary care. Alternative means of dissemination are needed, and suggestions are made.
Currin
Laura
L
Institute of Psychiatry, Section of Eating Disorders, King's College London, London, England.
Waller
Glenn
G
Treasure
Janet
J
Nodder
Jane
J
Stone
Christine
C
Yeomans
Maria
M
Schmidt
Ulrike
U
D015992:Body Mass Index; D003625:Data Collection; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004739:England; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*