Increasing Rehabilitation Therapists’ Confidence Utilizing Evidence-Based Interventions: Pilot Study

Abstract

Evidence-based practice enables rehabilitation therapists to provide the best quality of care and outcomes for patients. However, rehabilitation therapists are often not confident in using evidence in many settings. Purpose. The objective of this evidence-based practice project was to determine if educational small group sessions enhanced occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and a speech and language pathologist’s confidence in utilizing and applying evidence. Method. Eleven rehabilitation therapists of multiple disciplines (occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and a speech and language pathologist) from a skilled nursing facility participated in six educational sessions designed to increase evidence-based practice. A pre- and post-test utilizing the Evidence-Based Practice Profile Questionnaire (EBPPQ), measured change in therapists’confidence regarding evidence-based practice. Results. Results on the Evidence-Based Practice Profile Questionnaire concluded that 7 of 11 rehabilitation therapists reported an increase in confidence levels. Conclusion. Educational small group sessions can be an effective method to assist rehabilitation therapists in developing this confidence. KEYWORDS: Evidence-based practice, confidence levels, rehabilitation therapists, educational sessions, skilled nursing facility