Evidence-based practice: attitudes, knowledge and behaviour among allied health care professionals

Abstract

Objective: To explore dieticians', occupational therapists' and physical therapists' attitudes, beliefs, knowledge and behaviour concerning evidence-based practice within a university hospital setting.

Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Setting: University hospital.

Participants: All dieticians, occupational therapists and physical therapists employed at a Swedish university hospital (n = 306) of whom 227 (74%) responded.

Main outcome measures: Attitudes towards, perceived benefits and limitations of evidence-based practice, use and understanding of clinical practice guidelines, availability of resources to access information and skills in using these resources.

Results: Findings showed positive attitudes towards evidence-based practice and the use of evidence to support clinical decision-making. It was seen as necessary. Literature and research findings were perceived as useful in clinical practice. The majority indicated having the necessary skills to be able to interpret and understand the evidence, and that clinical practice guidelines were available and used. Evidence-based practice was not perceived as taking into account the patient preferences. Lack of time was perceived as the major barrier to evidence-based practice.

Conclusions: The prerequisites for evidence-based practice were assessed as good, but ways to make evidence-based practice time efficient, easy to access and relevant to clinical practice need to be continuously supported at the management level, so that research evidence becomes linked to work-flow in a way that does not adversely affect productivity and the flow of patients.