Analysing and interpreting outcomes data to support evidence-based practice using the example of AusTOMs-OT

2017 ◽  
Vol 80 (10) ◽  
pp. 631-637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn A Unsworth
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Critical Reflection ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Therapy Outcome ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Reflection On Practice ◽  
Support Evidence

Statement of context Occupational therapists working with clients who have neurological impairments routinely collect outcomes data. However, data cannot inform practice unless it is routinely reviewed. The aim of this paper was to show how outcomes data collected on the Australian Therapy Outcome Measures – Occupational Therapy scale were analysed and interpreted. Although the example pertains to clients with neurological problems, the approach can be applied to all areas of practice. Critical reflection on practice When outcomes data are routinely analysed and findings reviewed, occupational therapists have an increased understanding of practice strengths and limitations. Implications for practice Incorporating analysis and interpretation of outcomes data for clients with neurological problems into practice contributes evidence to support therapy and ensures clinicians retain control of their data.

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

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Hovick ◽  
Ingrid Provident
Keyword(s):  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Skilled Nursing Facility ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Nursing Facility ◽  
Skilled Nursing ◽  
Confidence Levels

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

Clinical Effectiveness: Systematic Reviews and Evidence-Based Practice in Occupational Therapy

1997 ◽  
Vol 60 (11) ◽  
pp. 479-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrina Bannigan
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
High Quality

Evidence-based health care can be defined as an approach to health care that involves finding and using up-to-date research into the effectiveness of health care interventions to inform decision making (Entwistle et al, 1996). For many occupational therapists, the practicalities of keeping up to date with the best research evidence is difficult; however, through the National Health Service Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (NHS CRD), the NHS Research and Development (R&D) Programme is aiming to improve the availability of high quality research evidence to all health care professionals. The NHS CRD carries out and commissions systematic reviews. Systematic reviews are a means of pulling together large quantities of research information and are considered to be one of the most reliable sources of information about effectiveness (Chalmers and Altman, 1995). The NHS CRD also disseminates the findings of systematic reviews, one method of which is through the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness (DARE). The relevance of systematic reviews to the clinical practice of occupational therapists is explored in this paper using two examples: a poor quality and a high quality systematic review identified from the abstracting process for DARE. Both reviews are directly relevant to occupational therapy, being about sensory integration and falls in the elderly respectively. The implications of these reviews for evidence-based practice in occupational therapy are discussed.

Evidence-Based Practice in Mental Health: A Cause for Concern for Occupational Therapists?

2003 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 168-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilary Mairs
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Health Practice ◽  
Mental Health Practice ◽  
Opinion Piece

This opinion piece considers the profile of occupational therapy within the literature informing the evidence base for current mental health practice. It highlights a number of concerns for occupational therapists practising in this field and advocates that it is time to engage with the available evidence base and generate a research agenda to support the activity of mental health occupational therapists.

scholarly journals Evidence-Based Practice in Primary Care Occupational Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Sweden

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann-Charlotte Lindström ◽  
Susanne Bernhardsson
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Main Barrier

Introduction. Understanding of attitudes, knowledge, and behaviour related to evidence-based practice (EBP) and guidelines in Swedish occupational therapy is limited. The study aims were to investigate attitudes, knowledge, and behaviour related to evidence-based practice and guidelines of Swedish occupational therapists in primary care.Methods. A web-based survey of 94 Swedish primary care occupational therapists (response rate 53.7%). Data were analysed using logistic regressions.Results. Attitudes towards EBP and guidelines were highly positive (97%–98%). About half of the respondents reported confidence in finding and using evidence. Almost two-thirds reported being aware of guidelines and 47% knowing where to find guidelines. Four-fifths stated that they had easy access to guidelines and 75% that they used guidelines frequently. Men were more likely to feel confident to find research (OR 8.58, 95% CI 1.03 to 71.66;p=0.047) and have easy access to guidelines (OR 9.10, 95% CI 1.94 to 42.83;p=0.005). Occupational therapists older than 50 years were more likely to integrate patient preferences with guideline use (OR 6.44, 95% CI 1.14 to 36.57;p=0.035). Few reported reading scientific articles, and many expressed uncertainty in finding research. The main barrier for using guidelines was reported to be lack of time.Conclusion. Although attitudes among primary care occupational therapists towards EBP are positive and a large proportion report using guidelines, many state that they want to learn more and improve their evidence-based practice skills. The findings suggest that education measures need to be taken to address the identified shortcomings.

Centres for Health Evidence Demonstration Project

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracy Stewart ◽  
Denise Koufogiannakis ◽  
Robert S.A. Hayward ◽  
Ellen Crumley ◽  
Michael E. Moffatt
Keyword(s):  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Demonstration Project ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Research Opportunities ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Information Usage ◽  
University Of Manitoba ◽  
The University ◽  
Hospital Wards ◽  
Support Evidence

This paper will report on the establishment of the Centres for Health Evidence (CHE) Demonstration Project in both Edmonton at the University of Alberta and in Winnipeg at the University of Manitoba. The CHE Project brings together a variety of partners to support evidence-based practice using Internet-based desktops on hospital wards. There is a discussion of the CHE's cultural and political experiences. An overview of the research opportunities emanating from the CHE Project is presented as well as some early observations about information usage.

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