Evidence-based practice: What therapists say about it?

Abstract

The significance of evidence based practice (EBP) can not be overstated. However, literature on the perception of occupational therapists and physical therapists toward EBP, is scarce. The purpose of this survey study was to examine occupational and physical therapists's attitudes toward evidence based practice. A total of 47 among 261 practicing occupational and physical therapists in a health care system in the Midwest responded to the questionnaire previously developed by Rubin and Parrish, 2011. Follow up reminders were implemented to achieve a higher response rate. The results of the study showed that therapists maintained an overall positive attitude toward EBP, reported familiarity with the EBP process and an overall positive attitude toward EBP. In addition, therapists reported intend to engage in the EBP process but their current engagement was a little less than “some of the time.” However, therapists reported slightly lean unfeasible to engage in the EBP process. Barriers to engaging in EBP included time, access, and the constraints of the responders’ practice setting. Overall, the findings of this study showed that therapists hold positive perception on evidence based practice and such findings are consistent with previous research. The current study suggests practicing occupational therapists and physical therapists in general have positive perception on evidence based practice, particularly in the area of familiarity with EBP, the intend to and current engagement of EBP. Therapists, however, identified many factors that contribute to their negative perception on feasibility of the EBP in their day-to-day practice. Administrative support, decreased productivity pressure, adequate education and training are essential in ensuring and promoting EBP, a key ingredient in help achieve triple aims of health care services.