Adoption of the ADA/EASD guidelines in 10 Eastern and Southern European countries: Physician survey and good clinical practice recommendations from an international expert panel

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to assess the adoption of the ADA/EASD guidelines in a convenience sample of physicians from Eastern and Southern Europe, the barriers to the implementation of these guidelines and the measures needed to facilitate their implementation.

Methods: Attendees at two international diabetes conferences could volunteer to respond to a fully anonymous survey. Responses were analysed descriptively and a panel of experts from around the region was consulted to interpret the survey results.

Results: Responses (n = 96) from 10 countries were analysed. Most participants (63.4%) considered the ADA/EASD guidelines fundamental to their practice. All respondents saw the value of the CVOT-based ADA/EASD recommendations and 77–80% generally implemented them. Measures suggested to improve adherence to the ADA/EASD guidelines included aligning reimbursement policy with the guidelines (54.4%), publishing guidelines in a simple and concise form (42.4%) and translating guidelines into local languages (33.3%).

Conclusions: Aligning reimbursement with recent evidence and providing short summaries of the ADA/EASD guidelines in local languages could facilitate physician adherence.