Occupational Therapists<i>’</i> Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice: A Cross Sectional Survey

Abstract

Evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation has been associated with quality health care outcomes, yet only a small proportion of occupational therapists implement EBP. We conducted a cross-sectional survey measuring EBP implementation, skill and knowledge, self-reflection behavior, and practice demographics to clarify implementation of EBP and factors acting as supports. A random sample of occupational therapists practicing in the U.S. was invited to participate; 578 surveys were included in the final analysis. Participants implemented EBP <i>less than 1 time over the previous 8 weeks</i>; EBP use was highest in those with a doctorate (<i>p</i> = .002) and high self-reflection behavior (<i>p</i> = .001); EBP use was marginally higher in those with organizational support (<i>p</i> = .008; <i>p</i> = .009), time for EBP (<i>p</i> = .009), and access to full text articles (<i>p</i> = .006). Further investigation of how reflective practice and levels of doctoral education support EBP use are recommended.