A theory-based cross-sectional survey demonstrated the important role of awareness in guideline implementation.
OBJECTIVE
To assess physiotherapists' adherence to the Dutch guidelines for nonspecific low back pain, the motivational determinants related to guideline adherence, and the role of physiotherapists' awareness of their performance in this respect.


METHODS
This was a cross-sectional survey among a random sample of 1,500 private practice physiotherapists in the Netherlands. The actual guideline adherence was measured by means of validated clinical vignettes and self-reported adherence by asking the physiotherapists to report their own level of adherence. The assessment of motivational determinants was based on a theoretical framework.


RESULTS
The response rate was 31.5% (N=472). The average guideline adherence rate was 50.4% (SD=16.8). Only 38.5% of the physiotherapists had realistic perceptions of their personal performance. Awareness levels seriously interfered with the relationship between motivational determinants and actual guideline adherence. Actual adherence was mainly related to the perceived relative advantages and awareness of adherence to the perceived social norm.


CONCLUSIONS
The moderating role of awareness in this study confirms the view that motivational determinants of a particular behavior can only be accurately assessed if people hold realistic perceptions of that behavior. Our approach illustrates the added value of a theory-based approach in guideline implementation studies.
Rutten
Geert
G
Department of IQ Healthcare, Nijmegen Medical Centre, Radboud University, PO Box 9101, 114 IQ Healthcare, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands. g.rutten@iq.umcn.nl
Kremers
Stef
S
Rutten
Steven
S
Harting
Janneke
J
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001364:Awareness; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D036262:Empirical Research; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009426:Netherlands; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty / Q000592:standards*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D011364:Professional Practice