title: Primary care physicians' perceptions of diabetes treatment protocols.
abstract: Primary care physicians' perceptions of diabetes treatment protocols (DTPs) in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were examined at the individual and organizational levels. A 27-item electronic survey was administered to primary care physicians from an integrated multispecialty health care system in Texas. Information was collected on various aspects of DTPs, including attitudes toward these protocols, perceived barriers, and knowledge, as well as utilization of diabetes self-management programs. Besides quality of care, the primary care physicians surveyed generally had mixed feelings regarding DTPs' ability to contribute positively to other aspects of health care; in addition, only a small percentage were familiar with some currently available self-management programs. Given that implementation of DTPs depends on primary care physicians, we should address physicians' attitudes and perceptions toward DTPs so as to increase utilization of these helpful protocols.
authors.forename: Samuel N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Forjuoh
authors.forename: Jane N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Bolin
authors.forename: Ann M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Vuong
authors.forename: Janet W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Helduser
authors.forename: Darcy K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: McMaughan
authors.forename: Marcia G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Ory
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D058007:Physicians, Primary Care