Jan Andrysek1, James Christensen, Annie Dupuis. 1. Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. jandrysek@hollandbloorview.ca
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The importance of evidence-based practice is being recognized across a broad range of healthcare disciplines as a means for improving patient outcomes and also efficiently managing healthcare resources. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work was to obtain information from clinicians about the underlying barriers and facilitators relating to evidence-based practice in prosthetics and orthotics. STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional survey. METHODS: An internet survey was developed and distributed to 300 prosthetists and orthotists currently practicing in Canada. RESULTS: A principal component factor analysis of the survey results revealed ten primary factors affecting evidence-based practice. These include time constraints, workload and system demands, limited relevant evidence from research, and gaps in skills and knowledge required to perform evidence-based practice. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians value research as a means of improving clinical practice, but they are faced with a number of practical barriers in performing evidence-based practice. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides empirical data about the underlying barriers and facilitators relating to evidence-based practice in prosthetics and orthotics. Such data are essential in order to inform those involved in improving existing clinical practices, including educators, professional organizations, and governing bodies.
BACKGROUND: The importance of evidence-based practice is being recognized across a broad range of healthcare disciplines as a means for improving patient outcomes and also efficiently managing healthcare resources. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work was to obtain information from clinicians about the underlying barriers and facilitators relating to evidence-based practice in prosthetics and orthotics. STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional survey. METHODS: An internet survey was developed and distributed to 300 prosthetists and orthotists currently practicing in Canada. RESULTS: A principal component factor analysis of the survey results revealed ten primary factors affecting evidence-based practice. These include time constraints, workload and system demands, limited relevant evidence from research, and gaps in skills and knowledge required to perform evidence-based practice. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians value research as a means of improving clinical practice, but they are faced with a number of practical barriers in performing evidence-based practice. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides empirical data about the underlying barriers and facilitators relating to evidence-based practice in prosthetics and orthotics. Such data are essential in order to inform those involved in improving existing clinical practices, including educators, professional organizations, and governing bodies.
Authors: Mallory Kennedy; Eric G Carbone; Alexa L Siegfried; Deborah Backman; John D Henson; Jackie Sheridan; Michael B Meit; Erin V Thomas Journal: J Public Health Manag Pract Date: 2020 Sep/Oct