title: Attitude and practice of the health care professionals towards the clinical practice guidelines in King Khalid University Hospital in Saudi Arabia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the opinion and practice of the health care providers in King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH) towards clinical practice guidelines (CPGs).
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional self-reported anonymous survey was distributed to 2225 health care professionals working in KKUH clinical departments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The response rate was 56.5%. The respondents had a positive attitude towards CPGs; 90% thought that CPG unify patients' care and 96% agreed that CPGs improve the quality of services provided. The respondents' practice in using CPGs concurred with their attitude and opinion. A total of 86.3% agreed that CPGs changed the way they manage their patients and 71.8% agreed with the statement that they have already used CPGs in the management of the patients. Compared to nurses, physicians were significantly less likely to use CPGs in practice (P < 0.05); moreover, the practice of using guidelines differs significantly according to the years of experience, with 71% of respondents with experience of 15 years or more using CPGs in the management of their patients, compared to 60% among respondents with less years of experience (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The health care providers at KKUH have positive practice and attitude towards CPGs in general, which could positively influence the future introduction and implementation of evidence-based CPGs.
authors.affiliation: College of Medicine, King Saud University, Al Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Hayfaa A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Wahabi
authors.forename: Rasmieh A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Alzeidan
authors.forename: Amel A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Fayed
authors.forename: Samia A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Esmaeil
authors.forename: Zohair A
authors.initials: ZA
authors.lastname: Al Aseri
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012529:Saudi Arabia