Research Article

New Zealand occupational therapists' views on evidence-based practice: A replicated survey of attitudes, confidence and behaviours

Corresponding Author

Fiona Graham PhD, BOccThy (Otago)

Lecturer

Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand

Correspondence: Fiona Graham, Department of Medicine, University of Otago, PO Box 4345, Wellington, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand. Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author

Linda Robertson PhD (Ed), MEd, BA, NZROT,

Linda Robertson PhD (Ed), MEd, BA, NZROT

Lecturer

School of Occupational Therapy, Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin, New Zealand

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Jane Anderson BOccThy (Otago),

Jane Anderson BOccThy (Otago)

Occupational Therapist

Youth Specialty Services, Southern District Health Board, Dunedin, New Zealand

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Fiona Graham PhD, BOccThy (Otago),

Corresponding Author

Fiona Graham PhD, BOccThy (Otago)

Lecturer

Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand

Correspondence: Fiona Graham, Department of Medicine, University of Otago, PO Box 4345, Wellington, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand. Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author

Linda Robertson PhD (Ed), MEd, BA, NZROT,

Linda Robertson PhD (Ed), MEd, BA, NZROT

Lecturer

School of Occupational Therapy, Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin, New Zealand

Search for more papers by this author

Jane Anderson BOccThy (Otago),

Jane Anderson BOccThy (Otago)

Occupational Therapist

Youth Specialty Services, Southern District Health Board, Dunedin, New Zealand

Search for more papers by this author

First published: 20 December 2012

https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12000

Citations: 35

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Abstract

Background/aim

Evidence-based practice is internationally recognised as an essential component of contemporary occupational therapy, and as being critical to the future of the profession. However, its uptake by therapists has been modest with barriers such as therapists attitudes, skills and organisational support frequently cited. This study explored New Zealand therapists' perceptions of their behaviours, skills and attitudes regarding evidence-based practice.

Method

A survey comprising open and closed questions was emailed to all therapists holding practicing certificates who had consented to be contacted about research (n = 1587) with 30% (n = 473) of surveys returned. Therapists' evidence-based practice attitudes, skills and behaviours were examined using descriptive statistics. Relationships between therapists' perceptions of evidence-based practice and demographic characteristics of therapists were explored using Chi-square analysis. Text responses were analysed using content analysis.

Results

New Zealand therapists have a positive attitude towards evidence-based practice (84%), but report moderate reference to research literature (56%) during clinical decision-making and moderate (66%) to low (35%) levels of confidence in research-related skills. Therapists with training in evidence-based practice had higher levels of confidence, perceived research as more relevant to practice and reported less barriers to implementing evidence-based practice than other therapists. A perception that evidence-based practice is separate to clinical reasoning was widely held.

Conclusion

New Zealand therapists' evidence-based practice behaviours, skills and attitudes are largely consistent with international comparisons. However, if New Zealand therapists are to enact the ideal of being ‘evidence-based’ then accessible training in evidence-based practice-related skills is indicated and should include education of what evidence-based practice means.

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April 2013

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New Zealand occupational therapists' views on evidence-based practice: A replicated survey of attitudes, confidence and behaviours

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New Zealand occupational therapists' views on evidence-based practice: A replicated survey of attitudes, confidence and behaviours

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