Therapists' beliefs about research and the scientist-practitioner model in an evidence-based health care climate: A qualitative study

Abstract

The growing emphasis on achieving therapeutic practice that is informed by research evidence or 'evidence-based' has been well documented. However, if therapists are to operate effectively within evidence-based services, it is necessary to develop a better understanding of factors that influence their attitudes towards research in routine clinical work. Within this context, there is a need to re-examine the scientist-practitioner model as potentially complementing or competing with evidence-based practice. This study explores the beliefs about research and the scientist-practitioner model amongst a diverse group of therapists whose work is contextualized by evidence-based practice. In-depth, qualitative interviews were used to elicit significant themes that related to current practices, previous training and contact with other professionals. The findings suggest that the therapists' beliefs were shaped by different levels of influence that range from personal values to organizational and political issues. The results also highlighted how the therapists had constructed more idiosyncratic definitions of the scientist-practitioner model that related to perceptions of its value. Implications for further research, training and practice are discussed.