Examining the use of evidence-based practice resources among physiotherapists in Canada

Abstract

Objective. To assess physiotherapists' awareness of, access to, and use of evidence-based practice (EBP) resources and factors that influence their use in practice. Methods. A postal survey of a random sample of 321 Canadian physiotherapists. Open and closed-ended questions were used to elicit participants' views on EBP, EBP resources, and barriers and facilitators to research use. Results. Two hundred and thirty-four of the 301 eligible physiotherapists responded (77.7% response rate). Attitudes towards EBP were positive. Sixty two percent of participants had access to the Internet in their practice setting. Sixteen percent had read a Cochrane review, 15% were aware of Cochrane reviews but had not read one, and 59% were unaware of the Cochrane Library. Even fewer physiotherapists were aware of other EBP resources such as the PEDro. Participants reported major barriers to using research included lack of time (64%) and relevant literature not being compiled in one place (61%). The trustworthiness of the research message was positively associated with EBP resource use. Conclusions. Physiotherapists have positive attitudes towards EBP and want relevant literature compiled in one place. However, a high proportion of respondents were unaware of several high-quality EBP resources. This suggests that information about the availability of EBP resources is not being adequately disseminated to Canadian physiotherapists. Efforts are needed to ensure widespread dissemination of EBP resources.