Sara Kenyon1, David J Taylor. 1. Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, P.O. Box 65, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the short term effect of the publication of a major clinical trial on clinical practise. DESIGN: Questionnaire survey of clinical practise. SETTING: UK. POPULATION: All maternity units in the UK. METHOD: A self-administered questionnaire completed by lead consultants on delivery suite of maternity units. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in antibiotic prescription. RESULTS: Within six months of publication, approximately 50% of maternity units had changed their guidelines for the care of women with preterm prelabour rupture of the fetal membranes. CONCLUSION: Publication of a major clinical trial does impact on clinical practise but the impact is heterogeneous in terms of time and consistency.
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the short term effect of the publication of a major clinical trial on clinical practise. DESIGN: Questionnaire survey of clinical practise. SETTING: UK. POPULATION: All maternity units in the UK. METHOD: A self-administered questionnaire completed by lead consultants on delivery suite of maternity units. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in antibiotic prescription. RESULTS: Within six months of publication, approximately 50% of maternity units had changed their guidelines for the care of women with preterm prelabour rupture of the fetal membranes. CONCLUSION: Publication of a major clinical trial does impact on clinical practise but the impact is heterogeneous in terms of time and consistency.