Evidence-based practice supports among Canadian occupational therapists

Abstract

Background. Supports for evidence-based practice (EBP) and research utilization are needed for moving evidence into practice. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify the presence of individual and organizational EBP supports (based on a previous scoping review) and the attitudes toward the supports in a convenience sample of Canadian occupational therapists. Method. A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from members of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. Findings. Data from 368 clinicians (21%) indicated that although factors that have been shown to support EBP, such as student supervision and participation in research and mentoring, were not common practice, attitudes toward these EBP supports were positive. Implications. EBP supports, although viewed favourably by clinicians, have yet to be integrated fully into clinical practice. These findings provide researchers with an opportunity to design studies to support clinicians who view EBP in a positive light in integrating evidence into their practice.