Personal and organizational characteristics associated with evidence-based practice reported by Brazilian physical therapists providing service to people with stroke: a cross-sectional mail survey

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough evidence-based practice has been widely used by physical therapists, data variation suggests that its implementation may be influenced by a number of factors. Population-specific information is required to help enhance the use of research in clinical practice. ObjectiveTo identify the personal and organizational characteristics associated with the use of evidence-based practice by physical therapists providing services to people with stroke in Brazil. MethodsA cross-sectional mail survey was conducted. The Brazilian versions of the questionnaires “Practitioner and Organizational Barriers to Evidence-based Stroke Rehabilitation” and “Evidence-based practice self-efficacy scale” were mailed to physical therapists. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore associations between personal and organizational characteristics with education, attitudes, beliefs, interest, and perceived role, perceived support, and organizational resources for evidence-based practice. ResultsThe response rate was 36% (n=94). Ten characteristics explained 57% of the variance associated with attitudes and beliefs, and interest and perceived role for evidence-based practice. Nine characteristics explained 50% of the variance associated with perceived support and organizational resources for evidence-based practice. The most frequently cited barrier was lack of time (62%). ConclusionsAlthough participants had positive attitudes regarding evidence-based practice, there is a need to develop a supportive organizational infrastructure, in addition to enhancing skills of the evidence-based practitioner, to increase research integration in physical therapy practice for assessing and treating people with stroke. Potential strategies should include use of evidence-based practice during undergraduate programs, partnership with professional practice-oriented organizations, and investments to enable research-related activities.