A study of the educationally influential physician

This study assessed the existence, role, and impact of educationally influential (EI) physicians to determine how to use them more effectively in the dissemination of information to their peers. A random sample of 172 family physicians was drawn from across the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. A survey questionnaire was developed based on previous research reported in the literature. Due to a postal strike, a courier service was used to deliver and collect the questionnaires at family physicians' offices. Three focus groups also were conducted: two with family physicians and one with identified EI physicians. EI physicians exist and play an essential role in health care. They possess two sets of attributes: (1) expertise and currency of knowledge, and (2) good interpersonal skills, which enable them to communicate effectively with their peers. Family physicians approached EI physicians if they knew them through interaction with hospital departments. Only 20% of family physicians used e-mail and 40% used the Internet for accessing medical information. Family physicians reported that the information received from EI physicians helps in choosing among treatment options, extends their knowledge base, provides peer validation of innovative information in the scientific literature, and positively affects patient outcomes. The majority reported that health care reform had a negative effect on communication with EI physicians. No important differences were found between the responses of urban and rural family physicians. Methods should be implemented and evaluated to use EI physicians for CME and to help family physicians improve the outcomes of patient care.