scholarly journals The Evidence-based Practice Beliefs and Knowledge of Physical Therapy Clinical Instructors

Author(s):  
Debra Bierwas ◽  
Joan Leafman ◽  
Donald Shaw

Introduction: For evidence-based practice to occur in patient management or clinical instruction, a knowledge of evidence-based practice principles is needed, including how to retrieve, appraise, and apply evidence. Attitudes and beliefs are also important, since for effective change in practice to occur it must be consistent with beliefs and needs. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the evidence-based practice beliefs and knowledge of physical therapist clinical instructors and to determine whether differences in self-reported beliefs or knowledge existed based upon respondent characteristics of highest degree, age, association membership, and certification. Methods: For this cross-sectional descriptive study an electronic survey was used to collect data on respondent characteristics and evidence-based practice beliefs and knowledge. Results: Respondents were 376 physical therapists who were clinical instructors. A majority of respondents reported positive beliefs about evidence-based practice: welcome questions on practice (88.5 %, n = 333); fundamental to practice (89.7%, n = 337); practice changed because of evidence (81.1%, n = 305). From rating options of poor, fair, good, very good, and excellent, respondents most often selected good to describe knowledge level: formulate question 39.6% (n = 149); retrieve evidence 39.4% (n = 148); appraise evidence 44.1% (n = 166); and apply evidence 40.4% (n = 152). Nearly half of the respondents reported as either very good or excellent the ability to apply evidence (49.4%, n = 186). There were differences in evidence-based practice beliefs (degree H = 10.152, p = .038; membership z = 4.721, p = H = 27.712, p = z = 2.188, p = .03; certification z = 4.194, p = Conclusion: Respondents frequently reported positive beliefs about evidence-based practice and the possession of evidence-based practice knowledge. However, there were respondents who reported negative beliefs such as disagreeing that new evidence is important. There were wide variations in reported evidence-based practice knowledge. The largest percentage of respondents rated knowledge as good, the middle or ‘average’ rating on the five-point scale. There were differences in evidence-based practice beliefs and knowledge between groups for highest degree, association membership, and specialty certification.

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-221
Author(s):  
Shristi Bajracharya ◽  
Niraj Singh Tharu ◽  
Doly Bokalial

Background: Evidence-based practice is considered as one of the most accepted practice all over the world. Physiotherapists in Nepal have started evidence-based practice, but there has been no study regarding evidence-based practice in physiotherapy in Nepal.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 164 physiotherapists working in different clinics and physiotherapy centers of selected districts of Nepal. A self-reported questionnaire was distributed and collected later.Results: It was found that the physiotherapists had a positive attitude towards evidence-based practice with 95.2% agreeing or strongly agreeing that evidence-based practice is necessary forthe practice of physical therapy and an overall total mean score of 34.73(72.35%) out of 48 and an overall mean 2.8 out of 4. It was also found that physiotherapists had moderate knowledge towards evidence-based practice with an overall total mean score of 19.18(68.5%) out of 28 and an overall mean of 2.74 out of 4. It was found that those having a specialization degree had two times greater knowledge than without specialization. The major barriers to evidence-based practice were obtained insufficient time and traditional methods of treatment.Conclusions: Physical therapists of Nepal stated they had a positive attitude towards evidence-based practice with the majority of the physiotherapists interested in learning more about the topic. They believed that they needed to increase the use of evidence in practice. They thought major barrier as insufficient time hence continuous professional development training that incorporate evidence-based practice were of greater importance.Keywords: Attitude; barrier; evidence-based practice; knowledge.


Author(s):  
Debra Bierwas ◽  
Joan Leafman ◽  
Lisa Wallace ◽  
Donald Shaw ◽  
Steven Fehrer

Introduction: Evidence-based practice is a required component of student physical therapist education. Practice applying the five steps of evidence-based practice to patient care (formulate question, retrieve evidence, appraise evidence, integrate evidence, evaluate outcomes), most effectively performed during clinical education, must occur for students to become proficient. Clinical instructor use of evidence-based practice is essential to assure that student physical therapist practice occurs during clinical education. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess self-reported evidence-based practice use by physical therapy clinical instructors and examine whether an association exists between professional characteristics and evidence-based practice use. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional, descriptive study using an electronic survey to collect data on clinical instructor professional characteristics and evidence-based practice use. Results: Respondents included 376 physical therapists who were clinical instructors in the United States. Participant responses for frequency evidence-based practice steps use ranged from never to frequently. Specifically, respondents reported integrating evidence into clinical instruction: never 2.1% (n = 8); rarely 6.4% (n = 24); occasionally 13.3% (n = 50); sometimes 28.7% (n = 108); and frequently 49.5% (n = 186). There was no difference in evidence-based practice use as the result of age or highest degree. Respondents who were American Physical Therapy Association members or held an American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties certification reported using some of the evidence-based practice steps more frequently than those who were not. Discussion and Conclusion: Although the majority of respondents in this study reported using evidence-based practice to some extent, there was great variability. Student physical therapists may be exposed to evidence-based practice during clinical education since the majority of respondents, considering their role as clinical instructors, reported evidence-based practice use. However, exposure cannot be guaranteed for every student because some respondents reported never using evidence-based practice. Educational program use of supplemental learning activities during clinical experiences may facilitate student practice of all five steps of evidence-based practice during clinical education.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 274-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naji Alqahtani ◽  
Kyeung M. Oh ◽  
Panagiota Kitsantas ◽  
Margaret Rodan

2016 ◽  
Vol 96 (11) ◽  
pp. 1724-1733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Solveig A. Arnadottir ◽  
Bjorg Gudjonsdottir

Abstract Background A positive attitude toward evidence-based practice (EBP) has been identified as an important factor in the effectiveness of the dissemination and implementation of EBP in real-world settings. Objective The objectives of this study were: (1) to describe dimensions of Icelandic physical therapists' attitudes toward the adoption of new knowledge and EBP and (2) to explore the association between attitudes and selected personal and environmental factors. Design This study was a cross-sectional, Web-based survey of the total population of full members of the Icelandic Physiotherapy Association. Methods The Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) was used to survey attitudes toward EBP; the total EBPAS and its 4 subscales (requirements, appeal, openness, and divergence) were included. Linear regression was used to explore the association between the EBPAS and selected background variables. Results The response rate was 39.5% (N=211). The total EBPAS and all of its subscales reflected physical therapists' positive attitudes toward the adoption of new knowledge and EBP. Multivariable analysis revealed that being a woman was associated with more positive attitudes, as measured by the total EBPAS and the requirements, openness, and divergence subscales. Physical therapists with postprofessional education were more positive, as measured by the EBPAS openness subscale, and those working with at least 10 other physical therapists demonstrated more positive attitudes on the total EBPAS and the openness subscale. Limitations Because this was a cross-sectional survey, no causal inferences can be made, and there may have been unmeasured confounding factors. Potential nonresponse bias limits generalizability. Conclusions The results expand understanding of the phenomenon of attitudes toward EBP. They reveal potentially modifiable dimensions of attitudes and the associated characteristics of physical therapists and their work environments. The findings encourage investigation of the effectiveness of strategies aimed at influencing various dimensions of attitudes toward EBP.


2007 ◽  
Vol 87 (10) ◽  
pp. 1284-1303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy M Salbach ◽  
Susan B Jaglal ◽  
Nicol Korner-Bitensky ◽  
Susan Rappolt ◽  
Dave Davis

Background and Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify practitioner barriers (education, attitudes and beliefs, interest and perceived role, and self-efficacy) and organizational barriers (perceived support and resources) to physical therapists’ implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) for people with stroke. Subjects The participants were 270 physical therapists providing services to people with stroke in Ontario, Canada. Methods A cross-sectional mail survey was conducted. Results Only half of respondents had learned the foundations of EBP in their academic preparation or received training in searching or appraising research literature. Although 78% agreed that research findings are useful, 55% agreed that a divide exists between research and practice. Almost all respondents were interested in learning EBP skills; however, 50% indicated that physical therapists should not be responsible for conducting literature reviews. Average self-efficacy ratings were between 50% and 80% for searching and appraising the literature and below 50% for critically appraising psychometric properties and understanding statistical analyses. Despite Internet access at work for 80% of respondents, only 8% were given protected work time to search and appraise the literature. Discussion and Conclusion Lack of education, negative perceptions about research and physical therapists’ role in EBP, and low self-efficacy to perform EBP activities represent barriers to implementing EBP for people with stroke that can be addressed through continuing education. Organizational provision of access to Web-based resources is likely insufficient to enhance research use by clinicians.


2016 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 430-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl L. Straub-Morarend ◽  
Christine R. Wankiiri-Hale ◽  
Derek R. Blanchette ◽  
Sharon K. Lanning ◽  
Tanja Bekhuis ◽  
...  

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (9) ◽  
pp. 786-805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane U Jette ◽  
Kimberly Bacon ◽  
Cheryl Batty ◽  
Melissa Carlson ◽  
Amanda Ferland ◽  
...  

Background and Purpose. Little research has been done regarding the attitudes and behaviors of physical therapists relative to the use of evidence in practice. The purposes of this study were to describe the beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors of physical therapist members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) as they relate to evidence-based practice (EBP) and to generate hypotheses about the relationship between these attributes and personal and practice characteristics of the respondents. Methods. A survey of a random sample of physical therapist members of APTA resulted in a 48.8% return rate and a sample of 488 that was fairly representative of the national membership. Participants completed a questionnaire designed to determine beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors regarding EBP, as well as demographic information about themselves and their practice settings. Responses were summarized for each item, and logistic regression analyses were used to examine relationships among variables. Results. Respondents agreed that the use of evidence in practice was necessary, that the literature was helpful in their practices, and that quality of patient care was better when evidence was used. Training, familiarity with and confidence in search strategies, use of databases, and critical appraisal tended to be associated with younger therapists with fewer years since they were licensed. Seventeen percent of the respondents stated they read fewer than 2 articles in a typical month, and one quarter of the respondents stated they used literature in their clinical decision making less than twice per month. The majority of the respondents had access to online information, although more had access at home than at work. According to the respondents, the primary barrier to implementing EBP was lack of time. Discussion and Conclusion. Physical therapists stated they had a positive attitude about EBP and were interested in learning or improving the skills necessary to implement EBP. They noted that they needed to increase the use of evidence in their daily practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 370-381
Author(s):  
Jan M. Nick ◽  
Lisa Roberts ◽  
Farah Martine Adrien ◽  
Amy H. Wonder

Background and PurposeGovernment and professional organizations around the world have issued a call for evidence-based practice (EBP), affecting nursing globally. This study aimed to establish a baseline measure of EBP knowledge in French-speaking, baccalaureate nursing students and test the psychometric performance of a newly translated instrument.MethodsFor the cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study, 103 baccalaureate nursing students from Haiti were included in the analysis.ResultsRasch analysis showed strong evidence of validity (Weighted MS M = 984; Unweighted MS M = 1.01). Individual items showed item reliability (.94). The mean EBP knowledge score was 5.9 (SD = 1.93; Range = 2–10 points).ConclusionsThis study provides initial psychometric evidence for an EBP knowledge measure that can be used as a catalyst for research in 29 French-speaking countries.


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