A systematic review of the effectiveness of Evidence Based Practice (EBP) programs for allied health professionals

Abstract

Review Objectives: The objective of this review is to find, a ssess and synthesize the evidence on EBP programs in enhancing the EBP knowledge, skills and attitudes of allied health practitioners. Review questions: What is the effectiveness of using EBP programs for allied health practitioners in improving the EBP knowledge, skills and attitudes Inclusion criteria: Types of participants: This review will include as participants allied health practitioners (physiotherapists, occupational therapists etc) who participated in any EBP educational program or part of an EBP program (formulating clinical questions, searching the literature, critical appraisal skills program etc). Types of interventions: The intervention of interest in this review is any EBP training program defined as any formal program facilitating the search and use of evidence in practice. The contents (lectures only or lectures with actual demonstrations and practice), length (hours, days, weeks) and manner of delivery (face to face, face to face with supplementary materials etc) of the program may vary in each of the studies to be included as there is no standard EBP training program. Types of Outcome: The main outcomes measured are the EBP domains of knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviour as a result of participating in the EBP program or a component of it. Specific measures may include but not limited to the use of the adapted Fresno questionnaire (22) to assess knowledge, skills and attitudes to EBP. The adapted Fresno question has good psychometric properties and is especially fitting novice rehabilitation professionals undergoing EBP training.