US physicians’ perceptions of the effect of practice guidelines and ability to provide high-quality care

In the USA, health care organizations frequently disseminate practice guidelines to physicians, but physicians often resist implementing guidelines when they perceive no improvements in quality of care will result. Greater involvement with a single health care organization may affect physicians’ perceptions of guidelines. 

This study involving HIP Investigator Dr. Maureen Smith examined the relationship between the perceived effect of guidelines on practice and perceived quality of care for US primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists with varying levels of financial involvement with a single managed care organization. They found that PCPs with substantial financial involvement with a single organization who perceive greater effects of guidelines on practice have less negative perceptions of their ability to provide high-quality care.