Opinions of Japanese rheumatology physicians regarding clinical practice guidelines.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the views of rheumatology physicians concerning clinical practice guidelines in Japan, and changes to them following the dissemination of new guidelines for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 2004.


METHODS
Two cross-sectional questionnaire surveys, the first conducted before publication of new evidence-based RA clinical practice guidelines and the second conducted after implementation.


METHODS
Rheumatology-focused practices in Japan.


METHODS
A random sample of physicians registered with the Japan Rheumatism Foundation who satisfied the registration criteria with regard to experience with RA care.


RESULTS
The percentage of guideline users increased from 48 to 60% following publication of the new RA guidelines in 2004 (P < 0.01). The majority agreed that clinical practice guidelines support decision-making in practice, although the proportion of supportive responses decreased slightly in the second survey, from 83 to 77% (P < 0.01) for decision-making, while concern about restricting physician autonomy increased from 18 to 22% (P = 0.01). While only 39% of physicians felt that clinical practice guidelines would contribute to malpractice litigation, the proportion of physicians who were concerned that clinical practice guidelines would be used to bring legal action against providers was larger than that who expected they would defend providers (58 vs 30%, P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical practice guidelines are well accepted among Japanese rheumatology physicians, albeit that the proportion decreased slightly after the introduction of new guidelines. One reason for this may be concern about the use of the guidelines in malpractice litigation. To facilitate implementation, trends in physician support for the guidelines should be closely monitored.
Higashi
Takahiro
T
Department of Public Health/Health Policy, The University of Tokyo, Japan. higashi@m.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Nakayama
Takeo
T
Fukuhara
Shunichi
S
Yamanaka
Hisashi
H
Mimori
Tsuneyo
T
Ryu
Junnosuke
J
Yonenobu
Kazuo
K
Murata
Norikazu
N
Matsuno
Hiroaki
H
Ishikawa
Hajime
H
Ochi
Takahiro
T
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012219:Rheumatology / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires