A randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of a printed summary ofresearch findings in general practice

Background. The September 1995 issue of the Effectiveness Matters bulletin summarized existing research on the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in t he treatment of peptic ulcer disease. It described effective diagnostic and eradication strategies, and concluded that individuals with diagnosed pept ic ulcer should be considered for eradication therapy. Aim. To investigate the impact of distribution of a printed summary of rese arch findings on general practitioners' (GPs') self-reported management of peptic ulcer disease and dyspepsia. Method. Randomized controlled trial incorporating before-and-after measurem ents in 265 GPs within two health regions in the United Kingdom. Change in self-reported management of peptic ulcer disease, as assessed by baseline a nd follow-up questionnaire; perceptions of the cost-effectiveness of H. pyl ori-based strategies for upper gastrointestinal disorders; and sources of i nformation used by GPs to gain further advice on the management of dyspepsi a were assessed. Results. Two hundred and six GPs completed both questionnaires. There were no statistically significant differences in the use of H. pylori strategies for peptic ulcer (odds ratio [OR]= 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0. 37 to 1.57) or dyspepsia (OR = 1.36; 95% CI = 0.68 to 2.73). There was also no evidence of a change in perceptions of cost-effectiveness. However, dis tribution of the bulletin did impact on the information sources, with signi ficant reductions in reliance on pharmaceutical company information (OR = 0 .43; 95% Cl = 0.22 to 0.83) and academic journals (OR = 0.48; 95% Cl = 0.27 to 0.85). Conclusions. Distribution of a single, printed summary of research findings in isolation from other interventions is unlikely to impact on patient man agement. However, it may replace commercial literature and other sources of information for reasons of time efficiency or perceived neutrality.