Psychometric properties of the Norwegian version of the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS): to measure implementation readiness.

Karina M Egeland,Kristin Sverdvik Heiervang,Torleif Ruud,Terje Ogden,Jonas Christoffer Lindstrøm

doi:10.1186/s12961-016-0114-3

Abstract

BackgroundAttitudes can be a precursor to the decision of whether or not to try a new practice. In order to tailor the implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in mental health settings, we must first consider practitioner attitudes towards EBP adoption. To assess these attitudes, the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) was developed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Norwegian version of the EBPAS, and to examine differences in attitudes towards implementing EBPs among mental health practitioners.MethodsThe EBPAS was translated into Norwegian and administered to 294 practitioners from seven primary and 22 specialized mental care units within a defined geographical area of Norway.ResultsThe EBPAS showed good psychometric properties. The less clinical experience the practitioner had, the more positive their attitude toward EBPs. Primary care practitioners reported more positive attitudes towards implementing EBPs that were required of them than specialized care practitioners.ConclusionsThe Norwegian version of the EBPAS is a promising tool for measuring implementation readiness in mental health services, and can be used in clinical practice to tailor implementation efforts.Trial registrationThe study was approved by the regional committees for medical and health research ethics [REK 2013/2035] on 25th of May, 2014.

Highlights

Attitudes can be a precursor to the decision of whether or not to try a new practice
Measures The present study focuses on the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) [7], which is a well-established 15-item measure that generates four scales: 1) Intuitive appeal, refers to whether practitioners will use an innovation if it is attractive, gives meaning, can be used correctly, or is being used by colleagues who are pleased with it; 2) Requirements, refers to whether practitioners will use the innovation if it is requested by the service, supervisor or by agency mandates; 3) Openness to change is the degree to which practitioners are willing to try new interventions; 4) Divergence refers to whether practitioners experience research-based interventions as not clinically useful and less important than
The current study provided evidence about the potential usefulness of the Norwegian version of the EBPAS in mental health services by investigating the psychometric properties of EBPAS scores in a sample of 294 mental health practitioners from both primary and specialized care

Summary

Introduction

Attitudes can be a precursor to the decision of whether or not to try a new practice. In order to tailor the implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in mental health settings, we must first consider practitioner attitudes towards EBP adoption. To assess these attitudes, the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) was developed. Some studies have shown that practitioners’ general attitudes toward EBP can hinder or facilitate their decision of whether or not to try a new intervention [3, 4] This is in Egeland et al Health Research Policy and Systems (2016) 14:47 motivational factors such as the perceived availability of requisite opportunities and resources [6]. Studies that have examined sensitivity to change have reported little variation of EBPAS scores over time [19, 20]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion