Implementing a guideline for the treatment of type 2 diabetics: results of a Cluster- Randomized Controlled Trial (C-RCT)
2007

Guideline Implementation for Type 2 Diabetes Treatment

Sample size: 252 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Perria Carla, Mandolini Donatella, Guerrera Carmelina, Jefferson Tom, Billi Paolo, Calzini Virgilio, Fiorillo Alfonso, Grasso Giuseppe, Leotta Sergio, Marrocco Walter, Suraci Concetta, Pasquarella Amina

Primary Institution: Community Health Unit, Lazio Region Public Health Agency, Rome, Italy

Hypothesis

A structured intervention would be no more effective than a passive dissemination of the guideline or of a no-intervention strategy.

Conclusion

Compliance of GPs with guidelines was not enhanced by a structured learning programme.

Supporting Evidence

  • The active implementation strategy was ineffective relating to all primary outcomes.
  • Passive dissemination of the guideline showed no effect.
  • The study involved 252 GPs from the Lazio region.

Takeaway

The study tried to help doctors follow diabetes treatment guidelines better, but it didn't work.

Methodology

Three-arm cluster-randomised controlled trial with GPs as units of randomisation.

Potential Biases

Possible contamination with participants belonging to different arms.

Limitations

Uncertain representativeness of enrolled GPs compared to the remaining GPs which could affect external validity of results.

Participant Demographics

Mean age of GPs was 50 years, with 85% being male.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

[95% IC: 0.76–1.46]

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6963-7-79

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