Practitioners’ Reading Patterns, Attitudes, and Use of Research Reported in Occupational Therapy Journals

Abstract

Abstract Occupational therapists are encouraged to use research-based evidence to guide practice. In this study, we investigated whether members of the American Occupational Therapy Association read their flagship journal, the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT), or other scholarly journals. Therapists’ attitudes about research, their reading patterns, and their use of research in clinical practice were also explored. A proportional, random sample of 626 therapists from five states was mailed a questionnaire; 52% were returned. Of the 328 respondents, 85% reported reading AJOT. For those who did not read AJOT, barriers cited included time constraints, difficulty interpreting results, lack of clinical information, and too much scientific information. Attitudes about research generally were positive, although ratings regarding the usefulness of research to inform clinical practices were less favorable. Attitudes about and use of research ratings were not strongly related to practice settings, educational degree level, years of experience, or state of residence. Results suggest education and clinical practice changes may be necessary to support therapists’ use of empirical evidence in practice contexts.