GPs' thoughts on prescribing medication and evidence-based knowledge: The benefit aspect is a strong motivator

Abstract

Objective. To describe GPs' thoughts of prescribing medication and evidence-based knowledge (EBM) concerning drug therapy. Design. Tape-recorded focus-group interviews transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative methods. Setting. GPs from the south-eastern part of Västra Götaland, Sweden. Subjects. A total of 16 GPs out of 178 from the south-eastern part of the region strategically chosen to represent urban and rural, male and female, long and short GP experience. Methods. Transcripts were analysed using a descriptive qualitative method. Results. The categories were: benefits, time and space, and expert knowledge. The benefit was a merge of positive elements, all aspects of the GPs' tasks. Time and space were limitations for GPs' tasks. EBM as a constituent of expert knowledge should be more customer adjusted to be able to be used in practice. Benefit was the most important category, existing in every decision-making situation for the GP. The core category was prompt and pragmatic benefit, which was the utmost benefit. Conclusion. GPs' thoughts on evidence-based medicine and prescribing medication were highly related to reflecting on benefit and results. The interviews indicated that prompt and pragmatic benefit is important for comprehending their thoughts. © 2007 Taylor & Francis.