Knowledge and Beliefs Concerning Evidence Based Practice amongst Psychiatrists: A Questionnaire Survey

Abstract

Purpose: Evidence Based Psychiatry (EBP) has become an emerging need in the field of psychiatry. A study was conducted to assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of psychiatrists towards EBP and the associated factors that could impact the same. Methods: A questionnaire survey was administered to assess knowledge and attitude of psychiatrists towards EBP. Results: 148 psychiatrists were surveyed of which 101 responded. As per data analysis 44.6% had average knowledge about EBP, 33.7% were very confident and 21.8% were not confident at all in their knowledge about EBP. Significant factors for this difference included access to medical literature and regular internet access, previous exposure to research methodology and research experience and practicing in or in affiliation with an academic institute. (p<.05) However, majority (91.1%) of doctors had an equivocal attitude and they emphasized that they would benefit greatly with further information on EBP. Conclusion: Our results reveal that most psychiatrists have a neutral attitude and an average understanding of EBP. However, factors like easy availability of literature, practicing in an institutional environment and previous exposure to research training and experience, influenced knowledge significantly but had no effect on attitude towards EBP. The most significant results of this study comes in terms of a positive attitude of psychiatrists towards EBP and their willingness to know more, either through conferences or related workshops.