The GP Evidence website: focus-group evaluation study of a new point-of-care information resource.

Abstract

The GP Evidence website is a new point-of-care information resource aimed at GPs, providing quantitative information on the benefits and harms of treatments for common long-term conditions (LTCs), an identified gap in clinicians' knowledge. To explore whether the clinical content in GP Evidence can be accessed and understood by GPs in a way that can be integrated into their clinical thinking and decision making. Online questionnaire and focus group with British GPs. Online focus groups were undertaken. Within these, participants were first invited to consider hypothetical treatment decisions based on fictional clinical vignettes, they were then asked to give individual responses about their anticipated consultation and treatment intentions in an online survey. This was followed by an online semi-structured focus group discussion. Qualitative data were analysed thematically, and quantitative data presented as summary statistics. In the main, the clinical content of GP Evidence was easily understood by GPs. Changes in intended prescribing and discussions with patients were described, as well as increases in confidence. Some barriers to use were identified mainly relating to competing system pressures. This study confirms the usability of GP Evidence and suggests it has potential to introduce new information and influence practice. This could support shared decision making and person-centred practice. It is a preliminary study with limitations, and further research is needed to assess its impact in real-world settings.