[Knowledge about Helicobacter pylori and antibiotic treatment of peptic ulcer. A model study of information dissemination and implementation of the new knowledge in clinical practice].

Dissemination of information concerning new knowledge on peptic ulcer disease caused by Helicobacter pylori and treatment with antibiotics was surveyed. In 1996 a questionnaire was mailed to 200 gastroenterologists and 200 general practitioners. Physicians enumerate national medical journals as the most frequent source of information about the relationship between Helicobacter pylori and gastrointestinal ulcer. Six years after the first publication in international journals, 44% of the doctors had noticed this relation. Nearly all physicians had introduced antibiotics in treatment af peptic ulcer disease ten to twelve years after first announcement. The gastroenterologists preferred international medical journals whereas general practitioners stated national medical journals were the most important sources of new knowledge. General practitioners lacked knowledge of published guidelines for treatment of peptic ulcer disease.