Awareness and perceptions of published osteoporosis clinical guidelines—a survey of primary care practitioners in the Cape Town metropolitan area

Abstract

Background: Despite the widespread production and dissemination of clinical practice guidelines, both worldwide and in South Africa, they have not resulted in the expected improvements in quality of care and patient outcomes. There are limited studies concerning the impact of South African-developed guidelines on local physician behaviour and knowledge. Awareness of a guideline is a necessary prerequisite for its successful implementation. This study aimed to survey primary care practitioners in Cape Town employed in both the private and state sectors on their awareness and perceptions of the Osteoporosis Clinical Guidelines, published in the South African Medical Journal in September 2000.