Clinician resources to improve evidence-based sexual healthcare : does content and design matter?

This study explores how the design and content of three resources influence clinicians perceived capacity to deliver evidence-based sexual healthcare. A total of 214 general practitioners in New South Wales, Australia, completed a survey about their use and perceptions of a clinical aide, articles about sexual health, and an educational booklet. Over 50% of respondents used the three resources; of these, over 70% recognized a change in knowledge and/or clinical practice. Perceptions about resource design and content collectively explained more variance in perceived impact (30.5-75.9%) than independently. However, views about content were a stronger predictor for the perceived impact of the clinical aide, while views about design were a stronger predictor for the perceived impact of the articles and booklet. Clinician perceptions about the design and content of printed educational materials have differential perceived effects on their clinical practices. For this reason, it is concluded that the promotion of evidence-based practices should be guided by resource-type and audience expectations.