The role of physicians' knowledge of guidelines in the usage of beta-blockers in heart failure

Abstract

Background: Beta-blockers (BB) are recommended in the management of heart failure (HF), but its usage has been reported as low. The role of physicians' knowledge of guidelines in this observation has not been fully investigated. Objectives: The objective was to determine whether a gap in the physicians' knowledge of guidelines for the use of BB in HF is a reason for its low usage. Materials and Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to physicians in the Departments of Internal and Family Medicine. Multiple choice questions based on the 2016 European Society of Cardiology guidelines for the use of BB in HF were in the questionnaire. A physician was adjudged knowledgeable of the guidelines if he/she scored 50% or above. The proportion of physicians with inadequate knowledge was derived as a percentage of all respondents. Chi-square test was used to determine whether department, gender and cadre were associated with knowledge of guidelines. Results: A total of 70 physicians responded. Departments of Family and Internal Medicine, respectively. Fifty-five (78.6%) of them were not knowledgeable about the guidelines for the use of BB in HF, while only 15 (21.4%) were knowledgeable. Association between a physician's department, gender, cadre and knowledge of HF guidelines yielded P = 0.774, 0.144 and 0.227, respectively. Conclusion: There is a gap in the physicians' knowledge of the guidelines for BB use in HF. Measures to educate and regularly update physicians on HF guidelines should be institutionalised to ensure evidence-based practice, improved care and better outcomes.