Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale Research Articles

P077 Upskilling rheumatology therapists in work rehabilitation: an evaluation of the Workwell training programme

Abstract Background/Aims Keeping people with arthritis working is an important goal of rehabilitation. Rheumatology therapists may provide work advice to employed patients but conducting a structured work assessment and providing vocational rehabilitation (VR) is unusual. As part of a VR trial, we developed a VR training course (Workwell). The course consisted of 3 elements: a pre-training self-study module (reading on ergonomics and activity analysis; activity analysis of at least 2 videos of people working; observing people working); a 2-day training course (how to conduct a structured work interview (the Work Environment Survey: WES); case studies; planning work interventions; practical workshops about VR strategies and solutions; addressing disclosure; writing reports); followed by a 1:1 one hour telephone call practising conducting the WES with a trainer, developing a treatment plan, and individual feedback. A “Workwell Solutions Manual” was also provided for use in practice, with information on legislation, patient booklets and work solutions linked to problems identified in the WES. Our aim was to evaluate therapists’ views about the course and its impact. Methods All therapists attending the Workwell course were asked to complete questionnaires pre- and post-training. These included: knowledge of and confidence in providing VR (measured on a 0-4 scale of very limited to excellent); the Evidence Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS); and views about course content and duration. Results Three courses were delivered: 32/40 attendees completed pre-and-post training questionnaires. All were occupational therapists (OTs): 30 women and 2 men; 2 NHS Band 5, 15 Band 6, 11 Band 7 and 4 Band 8; with 11 (SD 7) years’ experience in Rheumatology. Median scores of Knowledge of: VR; the VR process; VR strategies; relevant legislation and policies; and Confidence in: conducting a work assessment; and identifying work solutions, significantly increased from 1 (limited: IQR 1-2) to 3 (good: IQR 2-3) (p < 0.001). Total EBPAS scores did not change. However, Openness sub-scale scores did (i.e. extent to which willing to use new research -based interventions): Pre 2 (moderate: IQR2-3) to Post 3 (great: IQR 3-3): p = 0.04. Most (i.e. 26-30) considered very/extremely relevant: the pre-training self-study; conducting the WES and case studies; practical workshops (workstation assessment; upper limb strategies; load handling; environment; disclosure); and the post-training 1:1 practice WES, treatment planning and feedback. The training about using the WES (roleplay by trainers; case studies and 1:1 telephone practice) was considered the most beneficial aspect. Of the 21 commenting on course length, 16 considered it about right and 5 wanted longer. Conclusion The 2-day VR course, plus 2 days self-study, led to significant improvements in knowledge and confidence in delivering VR amongst attending OTs. Work is a key component of OT. This training course could help expand work services in Rheumatology to keep patients working. Disclosure A. Hammond: None. S. Woodbridge: None. R. O'Brien: None. A. Ching: None. J. Parker: None.

Changes in Community Clinicians' Attitudes and Competence following a Transdiagnostic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training.

Although the literature suggest that attitudes toward evidence-based practices (EBPs) are associated with provider use of EBPs, less is known about the association between attitudes and how competently EBPs are delivered. This study examined how initial attitudes and competence relate to improvements in attitudes and competence following EBP training. Program evaluation data was collected during implementation of an EBP in a large community mental health network. Clinicians (N=891) received intensive training in cognitive behavioral therapy followed by six months of consultation. Attitudes were assessed using the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale, and competence was assessed using the Cognitive Therapy Rating Scale. Data were analyzed by fitting three latent change score models to examine the relationship between changes in attitudes and competence across the training and within its two phases (workshop phase, consultation phase). Latent change models identified significant improvement in attitudes (Ms latent change≥1.03, SEs≤ 0.18, zs≥6.55, ps< .001) and competence (Ms latent change ≥14.16, SEs≤3.10, zs≥2.82, ps<.001) across the full training and in each phase. Higher pre-workshop attitudes predicted significantly greater change in competence in the workshop and across training (bs≥1.62, SEs≤0.90, z≥1.09, p<.04, β≥0.10); however, contrary to our hypothesis, post-workshop attitudes did not significantly predict change in competence in consultation (b=1.62, SE=0.86, z=1.87, p=.06, β=0.09). Change in attitudes and change in competence in the training period and within the two phases were not significantly correlated. Results indicate that pre-training attitudes about EBPs present a target for implementation interventions, given their relation to changes in both attitudes and competence throughout training. Following participation in in itial training workshops, other factors such as subjective norms, implementation culture, or system-level policy shifts may be more predictive of change in competence through consultation.

Confirmatory factor analysis of the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) in a large and representative Swedish sample: is the use of the total scale and subscale scores justified?

BackgroundThere is a call for valid and reliable instruments to evaluate implementation of evidence-based practices (EBP). The 15-item Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) measures attitude toward EBP, incorporating four lower-order factor subscales (Appeal, Requirements, Openness, and Divergence) and a Total scale (General Attitudes). It is one of a few measures of EBP attitudes evaluated for its psychometric properties. The reliability of the Total scale has been repeatedly supported, but also the multidimensionality of the inventory. However, whether all of the items contribute to the EBPAS Total beyond their subscales has yet to be demonstrated. In addition, the Divergence subscale has been questioned because of its low correlation with the other subscales and low inter-item correlations. The EBPAS is widely used to tailor and evaluate implementation efforts, but a Swedish version has not yet been validated. This study aimed to contribute to the development and cross-validation of the EBPAS by examining the factor structure of t a Swedish-language version in a large sample of mental health professionals.MethodsThe EBPAS was translated into Swedish and completed by 570 mental health professionals working in child and adolescent psychiatry settings spread across Sweden. The factor structure was examined using first-order, second-order and bifactor confirmatory factor analytic (CFA) models.ResultsResults suggested adequate fit for all CFA models. The EBPAS Total was strongly supported in the Swedish version. Support for the hierarchical second-order model was also strong, while the bifactor model gave mixed support for the subscales. The Openness and Requirements subscales came out best, while there were problems with both the Appeal (e.g. not different from the General Attitudes factor) and the Divergence subscales (e.g. low reliability).ConclusionsOverall, the psychometric properties were on par with the English version and the total score appears to be a valid measure of general attitudes towards EBP. This is the first study supporting this General Attitudes factor based on a bifactor model. Although comparatively better supported in this Swedish sample, we conclude that the use of the EBPAS subscale scores may result in misleading conclusions. Practical implications and future directions are discussed.

Intent of health care providers to adopt a clinical decision support tool in the management of minor pediatric head injuries

Radiographic neuroimaging in minor pediatric head injuries contains risks of radiation-induced malignancy. The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) head injury protocol identifies head-injured children who are at very low risk of clinically important traumatic brain injuries and can safely not receive a head computed tomography (CT) scan. The identified urgent care facility had no facility-wide protocol to manage head injuries. The purpose of the evidence-based practice project was to educate health care providers on the risks of indiscriminate head CT prescription and the utility of the PECARN head injury protocol in the management of minor pediatric head injuries. A knowledge assessment was conducted using pre- and posttests and the likelihood to adopt the PECARN head injury protocol in clinical practice was evaluated using the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale. Additionally, rates of head CT scans ordered that were inappropriate according to the PECARN head injury protocol were calculated postproject and compared with preproject rates. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. Findings included increase in provider knowledge on the use of the PECARN head injury protocol and high likelihood of intent to adopt the PECARN head injury protocol in clinical practice. In addition, rates of head CT prescription postproject were lower than preproject rates, and 82.61% of CT scans ordered postproject were appropriate according to the PECARN head injury protocol. Using the PECARN head injury protocol was associated with consistency of care, reduced unnecessary health care resource utilization, and health care costs.

Association between attitudes of stigma toward mental illness and attitudes toward adoption of evidence-based practice within health care providers in Bahrain.

The health care system is one of the key areas where people with mental illnesses could experience stigma. Clinicians can hold stigma attitudes during their interactions with patients with mental illness. To improve the quality of mental health services and primary care, evidence-based practices should be disseminated and implemented. In this study, we evaluated the attitudes of health care providers in Bahrain toward people with mental illness and adoption of evidence-based practice using the Opening Minds Stigma Scale for Healthcare Providers (OMS-HC) and Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS). We conducted a cross-sectional study across 12 primary health care centers and a psychiatric hospital (the country's main mental health care facility). A self-report questionnaire was distributed among all health care providers. A total of 547 health care providers participated, with 274 from mental health services and 273 from primary care services. Results of the OMS-HC indicated differences between both main groups and subgroups. Regression model analysis reported significant outcomes. There was no statistical difference found between both groups in EBPAS scores. A weak but statistically significant negative association was reported between both scales. Participants showed varying stigma attitudes across different working environments, with less stigma shown in mental health services than in primary care services. Providers who were more open to adopting evidence-based practices showed less stigma toward people with mental illness. Comparing our findings with previous research showed that health care providers in Bahrain hold more stigma attitudes than other groups studied. We hope that this study serves as an initial step toward future campaigns against the stigma of mental illness in Bahrain and across the region.

Reliability of the Swedish version of the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale assessing physiotherapist's attitudes to implementation of evidence-based practice.

PurposeTo translate and apply a cross-cultural adaptation of the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) in Swedish and investigate its absolute and relative reliability.MethodsThe original EBPAS (a questionnaire assessing health professionals’ attitudes to implementation of evidence-based practice) was translated into Swedish using a forward and backward procedure, including a group discussion and expert committee. To assess reliability, 55 physiotherapists (48 women) aged 23–64 years from different clinical settings in the Stockholm region answered the EBPAS by postal survey twice within an interval of 2 weeks.ResultsThe Cronbach’s alpha values for EBPAS were >0.721. The intraclass correlation (ICC) between test and retest (relative reliability) was moderate to good for the four subscales, with ICC(A.1) and ICC(C.1) values approximately equal and in the range 0.56–0.89. Values for the absolute reliability of the mean score were a standard error of measurement of about 7% and a smallest real difference of about 19%.ConclusionThe Swedish version of the EBPAS shows mainly good reliability.

Prescribing Technology to Increase Uptake of Depression Treatment in Primary Care: A Pre-implementation Focus Group Study of SOVA (Supporting Our Valued Adolescents).

Supporting Our Valued Adolescents (SOVA) is a web-based technology intervention designed to increase depression and anxiety treatment uptake by adolescents in the context of an anonymous peer community with an accompanying website for parents. With a goal of informing the design of a hybrid effectiveness-implementation randomized controlled trial, we conducted a pre-implementation study in two primary care practices to guide implementation strategy development. We conducted focus groups with primary care providers (PCPs) at three different timepoints with PCPs (14 total) from two community practices. A baseline survey was administered using Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) and Physician Belief Scale (PBS). Subsequently, during each focus group, PCPs listened to a relevant presentation after which a facilitated discussion was audio recorded and transcribed. After timepoint 1, a codebook based on Consolidated Framework for Intervention Research (CFIR) and qualitative description were used to summarize findings and inform implementation strategies that were then adapted based on PCP feedback from timepoint 2. PCPs were provided with resources to implement SOVA over 5months and then a third focus group was conducted to gather their feedback. Based on EBPAS and PBS, PCPs are willing to try new evidence-based practices and have positive feelings about taking care of psychosocial problems with some concerns about increased burden. During focus groups, PCPs expressed SOVA has a relative advantage and intuitive appeal, especially due to its potential to overcome stigma and reach adolescents and parents who may not want to talk about mental health concerns with their PCP. PCPs informed various implementation strategies (e.g., advertising to reach a wider audience than the target population; physical patient reminders). During timepoint 3, however, they shared they had a difficult time utilizing these despite their intention. PCPs requested use of champions and others to nudge them and priming of families with advertising, so that the PCP would not be required to initiate recommendation of the intervention, but only offer their strong endorsement when prompted. The process of conducting a pre-implementation study in primary care settings may assist with piloting potential implementation strategies and understanding barriers to their use.Trial registration NCT03318666.

Development and Validation of the Dutch EBPAS-ve and EBPQ-ve for Nursing Assistants and Nurses with a Vocational Education.

In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the role of evidence-based practice (EBP) to increase the quality and safety of care. However, EBP implementation research has predominantly taken place in hospitals and hardly in nursing homes or home care. In these care settings, patients are attended by nursing assistants and registered vocationally trained nurses. A good EBP starting point is to assess their current attitude toward and use of EBP. However, current questionnaires are not valid for assistants and nurses with vocational education. To adapt the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) and the Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (EBPQ) to a Dutch questionnaire for nursing assistants and registered vocationally trained nurses European Qualification Framework level 3-4 employed in home care or nursing homes. Translation, adaptation through cross-cultural validation, pretesting, exploratory factor analysis, and evaluation of psychometric properties among a group of nursing assistants and registered vocationally trained nurses. Cross-cultural validation led to modified items of EBPQ and EBPAS. The sample comprised 273 nurses. Analysis of both instruments showed a robust factor structure. EBPAS-ve: internal consistency: α=0.76; intra-rater reliability: ICC=0.52. EBPQ-ve: α=0.75; ICC=0.60. Convergent validity (correlation EBPAS-ve and EBPQ-ve's subscale Attitude): r = .300 (p < .01). Construct validity: significantly higher scores (p < .01) in the group with higher education. Psychometric qualities of both instruments were satisfactory, although we recommend refinement of EBPAS-ve's subscale Divergence and extra instructions for the EBPQ's subscale Attitude. To our knowledge, this is the first adaptation of an EBP measurement instrument for nursing assistants and registered vocationally trained nurses. The questionnaires appeared to be feasible and showed multiple valid and reliable properties, including a satisfactory intra-rater reliability. Both questionnaires may facilitate the implementation of EBP as they contribute to a richer understanding of the attitude toward and use of EBP in nursing homes and home care.

Implementation Evaluation of an Online Peer-Mentor Training Program for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury.

Background: Community-based spinal cord injury (SCI) associations play a critical role in successful community integration of individuals having experienced an SCI, with knowledge translation being increasingly important for the process. The implementation of a new online peer-mentor training program was perceived as being useful in improving and standardizing training practices for peer mentors across Canada. It was also seen as an opportunity to explore the context, process, and influence of a formal implementation process in SCI community-based associations that are corporate members of SCI Canada with a view to informing future implementation efforts. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to (a) explore the context in which the implementation process will be conducted, (b) identify barriers and facilitators that influence the implementation process, and (c) measure the influence of the implementation process on service delivery. Methods: A sequential cross-sectional design was used with SCI Canada provincial member associations. SCI Canada's purpose is to support collaboration among provincial corporate members. SCI Canada enlisted the participation of several employees from the provincial associations to assess the implementation context using the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale and the Organizational Readiness to Change Assessment and to identify barriers to and facilitators of the implementation of an evidence-based practice through an open-ended questionnaire based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. A pre-post design was used to evaluate the influence of the implementation process on peer-mentors using the Determinants of Implementation Behavior Questionnaire. Results: Participants reported an overall positive attitude toward evidence-based practice and a positive perception of the organizational readiness to change. The relevance of the practice chosen was a facilitator because peer support is central to the mission of SCI Canada and this type of practice is in line with the organization' culture and values. Equally important, but as an obstacle, is the scarcity of existing resources within the association in general and specifically resources devoted to the implementation of the program. Finally, the implementation process seems to influence half of the implementation determinant types on potential peer mentors. Conclusion: Community-based organizations, such as the provincial association members of SCI Canada, show positive context for the implementation of evidence-based practices. However, successful implementation of online peer-mentor training will require specific consideration of financial and human resources.

Attitudes Towards the Use of Routine Outcome Monitoring of Psychological Therapies Among Mental Health Providers: The EBPAS\u2013ROM

Implementation of routine outcome monitoring (ROM) in mental health care is progressing slowly. Knowledge about factors influencing ROM implementation, including health providers’ attitudes towards ROM, is necessary. Based on a survey of 662 psychologists and nurses, this article describes (1) the development of a short instrument measuring provider attitudes towards ROM, derived from the Evidence-based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS), and (2) how attitudinal domains relate to clinicians’ current use of standardized instruments for treatment evaluation. The EBPAS–ROM showed concurrent validity in predicting aspects important for the implementation of ROM, including perceived limitations and the value of organizational support.

Outcomes Associated With Adapting a Research-Supported Treatment for Children With Behavior Disorders.

The aims of this study are to describe an adaptation process of a research-supported treatment (RST) for children with oppositional defiant disorder and to examine provider attitudes toward RSTs prior to and following this process. Providers from 14 agencies in New York State delivered the adapted RST, following training. Attitudes toward RSTs were measured by the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale at baseline and posttest. Openness toward RSTs decreased from baseline to posttest. The majority of providers reported modifications to the structure and process of the intervention. To improve the uptake and usability of RSTs in practice, future research must further address adaptation processes and their relationships to attitudes toward RSTs.

Attitudes to Evidence-Based Practice among Social Work Practitioners in South Africa

The implementation of evidence-based social work practice is an international priority. Attitudes to evidence-based practice are instrumental in its dissemination and active implementation. This paper, the first of its kind, explores the nature and correlates of attitudes to evidence-based practice among social work practitioners in South Africa, based on a descriptive statistical analysis of data from a small online survey. In terms of results, the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale suggests that respondents’ attitudes to evidence-based practice are generally positive. One exception is the requirements sub-scale, where performance indicates some resistance to a regulatory or authoritarian approach to the implementation of evidence-based social work practice. Furthermore, the limited evidence presented here shows that more experienced social work practitioners are less inclined to adopt prescribed evidence-based practice. Moreover, they find such practice less appealing, and are less open to implementing new structured and manualised interventions. With regard to recommendations, it is proposed that training in evidence-based practice be incorporated into continuous professional development programmes for social work practitioners. In addition, studies of this nature should be replicated on a more comprehensive and representative scale in South Africa and other developing countries.

Effect of Evidence Based Practice Training Program on Professional Nurses’ Decision Making Abilities

Effective implementing of evidence based practice has potential benefits for professional nurses, patients, healthcare systems and reduces inappropriate deviations in healthcare practices, supplies a set of standards for enhancing clinical decision making abilities. Aim of the study: This study was aimed to assess of the effect of evidence based practice training program on professional nurses` decision making abilities. Design: A quasi experimental design was used in this study. Setting: This study was conducted at intensive care unit at Benha University Hospital and Benha Teaching Hospital. Subjects: A convenient sample of 68 professional nurses recruited from the presented units and had the following inclusion criteria; had a Bachelor degree in nursing science and willing to participate in the study. Tools for data collection: The study tools divided into four tools: Evidence-Based Knowledge Questionnaire, Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (EBPQ), Evidence-Based Practice Attitudes Scale and Decision Making Abilities Questionnaire. The results showed that, there was statistically significant improvement among the professional nurses' knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding evidence based practice after implementation of the training program. There was highly statistical significant improvement in the professional nurses decision making abilities thorough program phases. As 40.7 % of them were able to make decision before the program which improved to 67.4% immediate post the program and decrease to 60.3% three months follow up the program. The study concludes that, the implementation of the Evidence-Based Practice training program was significantly succeeded in enhancing total knowledge, skills, and attitudes of professional nurses that significantly improves their decision-making abilities. The study recommended that: Conduct continuous in-service training and education programs for refreshing and updating professional nurses knowledge and skills about the evidence-based practice. A brief basic educational intervention on EBP with online and face-to-face learning can produce improvements in the knowledge and skills of clinical nurses.

Effects of an Implementation Intervention to Promote Use of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures on Clinicians' Perceptions of Evidence-Based Practice, Implementation Leadership, and Team Functioning.

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are administered rarely during rehabilitation hospitalizations because clinicians are unfamiliar with their use and the technology to integrate PROMs into electronic medical records is nascent. This study evaluated an implementation intervention that targeted teams' perceptions of evidence-based practice (EBP), implementation leadership, and team functioning that might facilitate PROM use. We compared clinicians' perceptions on three inpatient rehabilitation units, with sequential implementation across units. Clinicians completed the EBP Attitudes Scale, Implementation Leadership Scale, and the Team Functioning Survey before, shortly after, and 1 month after training. Forty-seven clinicians participated, including nurses (27.7%), occupational (21.3%) and physical therapists (21.3%), and two physicians. They worked on spinal cord injury (46.8%), neurologic (40.4%), or pediatric (12.8%) units. EBP Attitude Scale scores improved from preintervention to postintervention and remained above baseline levels at follow-up. The interaction between time and unit was statistically significant for the Divergence subscale such that Pediatric Unit scores increased from preintervention to postintervention and follow-up, while on the spinal cord injury, unit scores increased from preintervention to postintervention, and on the Neurologic Unit scores declined from preintervention to postintervention and follow-up. The EBP Attitudes Requirements score increased at postintervention and follow-up. The Implementation Leadership Scale Proactive score and team functioning survey scores decreased slightly. Implementing PROMs had varied effects on EBP attitudes and perceptions of leadership and team functioning. Perceptions across units were distinctive on the Evidence-Based Practice Attitudes Scale Divergence subscale. Introduction of PROMs should consider clinician attitudes regarding EBP as well as implementation leadership and team functioning.

Confirmatory factor analysis of the Evidence-Based Practice Attitudes Scale with school-based behavioral health consultants

BackgroundThe Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) is a widely used tool, but it has not been adapted and validated for use in schools, the most common setting where youth access behavioral health services. This study examined the factor structure, psychometric properties, and criterion-related validity of the school-adapted EBPAS in a sample of school-based behavioral health consultants.MethodA research team comprised of experts in implementation of evidence-based practices in schools along with the original developer adapted the EBPAS for the school setting. The adapted instrument was administered to a representative sample (n = 196) of school-based behavioral health consultants to assess the reliability and structural validity via a series of confirmatory factor analyses.ResultsThe original EBPAS factor structure was confirmed, with the final model supporting four first-order factors that load onto a second-order factor capturing general attitudes toward evidence-based practice. Correlations among the subscales indicated both unique and shared variance. Correlations between EBPAS scores and consultant variables demonstrated differential criterion-related validity, with the total score and the Requirements and Openness subscales demonstrating the strongest correlations.ConclusionsThe adapted EBPAS performed well when administered to behavioral health consultants operating in the educator sector, supporting the relevance of assessing attitudes in school settings. Potential directions for future research and applications of the EBPAS in schools and other service sectors are discussed.

Evidence-based practice and knowledge utilisation – a study of attitudes and practices among social workers in Germany

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to add to the limited empirical knowledge base on evidence-based practice (EBP) and social work in Germany. Using a regional sample of 158 social workers that were recruited through stratified sampling procedures, the study examined knowledge utilisation as well as attitudes toward the use of research-based practice methods, administering a normed and internationally recognised instrument, the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS). It further examined practitioner-level predictors of openness toward research-based methods. Findings indicated limited familiarity with the concept of EBP and showed that research and theory were not primary sources of knowledge to guide practice. Yet, attitudes toward research-based methods were overall positive and indicated considerable openness if methods made sense, were appealing, and sufficient training and support were provided. Scepticism and negative attitudes were evident in some areas (e.g. manualization, requirements). Multivariate linear regression indicated that individuals in leadership positions held more positive attitudes while a longer job tenure was inversely related to openness, approaching significance. Findings of the study are compared to the U.S. normative sample as well as a prior German study using the EBPAS. Implications for knowledge development in the discipline of social work in Germany are discussed.

The psychometric properties of the Evidence-Based Practice Attitudes Scale in a sample of South African mental health care providers working with survivors of trauma

The psychometric properties of the Evidence-Based Practice Attitudes Scale in a sample of South African mental health care providers working with survivors of trauma

The Limitations and Strengths of the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale as a Measure of Correctional Employees' Attitudes: A Psychometric Evaluation.

Evidence-based practices (EBPs) hold tremendous potential for improving the outcomes of corrections interventions. The implementation of EBPs requires support from staff at all levels of an organization; however, the study of correctional staff attitudes toward organizational change and EBPs is in its infancy. The current study examines the psychometric properties of the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS), an instrument originally designed for mental health professionals, to measure correctional employees' readiness to implement EBPs. The results indicate mixed conclusions regarding the use of the EBPAS with correctional staff. We found that the total scale and subscales are reliable and exhibit high internal consistency. However, the results of an exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis failed to replicate the factor structure from previous research with mental health providers. The findings indicate potential drawbacks regarding the construct validity of the EBPAS for use with correctional personnel.

Attitudes Toward Adoption of Evidence-Based Practice Among Physical Therapists and Social Workers: A Lesson for Interprofessional Continuing Education.

Professionals who embrace evidence-based practice (EBP) continually search for research evidence, appraise, and apply it, while interacting with each client in his/her situation. This dynamic learning process takes a substantial commitment from professionals and requires a positive attitude toward EBP. The main objective of this research was to explore the following: 1) distinct dimensions of attitudes toward adoption of EBP among physical therapists and social workers and 2) the relationship between these dimensions of attitudes and selected background characteristics of the compared professions. Cross-sectional web-based surveys were conducted in 2012 and 2013 on a population-based sample from the Icelandic Physical Therapy Association and the Icelandic Association of Social Workers. The participants were 214 physical therapists (76.3% women) and 163 social workers (92.2% women). The Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) and its four subscales were used to survey dimensions of attitudes toward EBP. Scores on the total EBPAS range from zero to five, with a higher score indicating a more positive attitude toward EBPs. Linear regression was used to explore the relationship between the EBPAS scales and selected background variables. The overall response rate was 39%. Both professions generally held positive attitudes toward adoption of EBP, with an average EBPAS total score of 3.06 (SD = 0.46). The professionals' background characteristics were independently related to at least one dimension of attitudes toward EBP. More positive attitudes were associated with being a physical therapist, a woman, in a younger age group, having a graduate degree, working with individual clients, and having at least five same-profession coworkers. The results may be useful to design continuing education focusing on EBP. Such inventions should be targeted to professional attitudes, background, and other contextual factors.

Evidence-based practice as a potential solution to burnout in university counseling center clinicians.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of changes in perceptions about patient volume and severity of clinical presentations in university counseling centers (UCCS) on burnout. It was hypothesized that perceptions of increased workload and severity of conditions treated would be positively correlated with burnout. It was also hypothesized that self-reported use of evidence-based practice (EBP) would be negatively correlated with burnout. Counseling center clinicians (n = 80) completed the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), the Evidence-Based Practice Attitudes Scale (EPBAS), and reported on factors that have been shown to impact burnout. In this sample, the following percent of respondents were at or above a level indicating potential burnout on each scale: Personal 19%, Work 15.2%, and Client 2.5%. Years of work was correlated with Client Burnout (r = .25, p < .05). Perceived increases in severity were correlated with each CBI Scale: Personal (r = .33, p < .001), Work (r = .32, p < .001), and (Client r = .33, p < .001). Self-reported use of evidence-based practice was negatively correlated with Client burnout (r = -.30, p < .001). The EBPAS Divergence Scale, which measures perception that one's usual practice is different than research based practices, was also correlated with burnout (r = .27, p < .05) and Divergence was negatively correlated with self-reported use of EBP (r = -.25, p < .05). Respondents were also asked if they treat PTSD and obsessive-compulsive disorder and which therapies they use for these diagnoses. Findings suggest that dissemination and implementation of EBPS may be beneficial for UCCS. (PsycINFO Database Record