Table 1 Themes and subthemes identified as perceived to contribute to continued use of EBM by physicians

1) Improved quality of physicians’ actions

• Keeping up-to-date improves

• Services of the organization improve

• Consultation of colleagues improves

• Better able to underpin decisions with evidence

• Clients will benefit from the application of EBM

2) Work attractiveness of physician improves

• Work becomes more attractive

• More appreciation and job satisfaction

3) Preconditions to work in a evidence-based way

• Professional competence: efficacy, motivation and collaboration on EBM

• Facilitating material conditions: access to literature, education in EBM, helpdesk, databases and tools for EBM

• Organizational support and demands: sufficient time and managerial support; adequate quality assurance policy