Determinants of Physician Intent to Use Evidence-Based Practices in a Healthcare Collaborative.

In this study we have reported on factors impacting the physician's intention to follow imaging appropriateness criteria, an evidence-based practice to improve the use of imaging for prostate cancer patients, within the Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MUSIC). We developed and deployed an instrument to assess and explain the specific factors affecting the behavioral intentions of the urologists in the collaborative. Results indicate that beliefs related to professional identity, along with patient or resource constraints, can negatively impact behavioral intention and be barriers to implementation. Additionally, knowing the criteria and its evidence, as well as having strong beliefs about the consequences, are the strongest predictors of an urologist's intention to follow the imaging appropriateness criteria. Furthermore, strong social influences from the practice and positive attitudes towards the collaborative will positively impact intentions, facilitating implementation efforts and possibly reduce barriers from the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]