Investigation of physicians' attitudes concerning the implementation of international classification systems of diseases as a precondition for evidence-based policy making.

This study investigated the main factors affecting physicians' attitudes toward the implementation of international classification systems of diseases. A cross-sectional study was carried out during September 2010. The sample consisted of 158 physicians older than 24 years who were working in a public hospital and a private hospital in central Greece. A questionnaire was drawn up based on the relevant literature. Results indicated that younger physicians and those who worked in the public hospital were most familiar with classification systems. Female physicians and specialists with more than 10 years of experience (since qualifying as a specialist) were not particularly familiar with these systems (58 percent and 56 percent, respectively). Both having a master's degree and attending conferences or seminars had a remarkable impact on knowledge of these systems. Almost all physicians (98 percent) holding a master's degree or a PhD believed that these systems contribute to the compilation of valid statistical data. The majority of physicians would like to use these systems in the future, as long as they are provided with the appropriate training.