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Ehrenbrusthoff K1, Braun T1, Bahns C1, Happe L1, Nordbruch L1, Kopkow C1
1Hochschule für Gesundheit (University of Applied Sciences), Bochum, Germany
Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a problem-solving approach aiming to provide optimal care based on current scientific knowledge, clinicians' expertise and patients' preferences. Despite various strategies for the implementation of EBP, this process is often delayed or even unsuccessful. Major barriers for the application of EBP in physical therapists' daily clinical routine are a lack of time and resources, insufficient knowledge about the critical evaluation of scientific literature, and inadequate support by superiors. The identification of existing barriers will help to advance implementation of EBP.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the adherence to EBP and to identify facilitators and barriers for the application of EBP among German physical therapists.
Methods: Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics committee of the German association of physiotherapists (2017-13). The study was registered a priori in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00013792).
The German version of the “Evidence-based practice inventory” (EBP-I) was administered via an online survey accessible for health care professionals with various clinical background (e.g. physiotherapy, medicine, nursing) in Germany using a snowball-principle. The questionnaire assesses the adherence to EBP and identifies barriers and facilitators for EBP in health care. The EBP-I consists of 26 items and is divided into five dimensions including e.g. aspects of individual clinical decision-making and attitude towards EBP. Respondents rated the statements on a scale ranging from 1 to 6 with two antonyms (e.g. useful versus useless).
Exploratory univariate regression analyses were performed to examine the data and identify determinants for each dimension of the EBP-I.
Results: In total, 920 participants completed the online survey. The present sample included 353 (38%) physical therapists with a mean age of 37 years (SD±12) and a mean clinical experience of 14 years (SD±11). Fifty-eight percent of the physical therapists involved were female (n=206).
Perceived adherence to EBP varied from 9% (n=31) to 29% (n=101) across the five dimensions. Major barriers were identified regarding the dimension "Subjective norm" including opinion leadership and acceptance of authority. Determinants for guideline adherence, which were consistently identified for most dimension of the EBP-I, were the independent variables "educational level", "scientific article" and "scientific lecture". Thus, a higher professional degree and active imparting of EBP knowledge positively impacts an individual's EBP adherence in physical therapy care.
Conclusion(s): The results of this study illustrate current deficits in EBP adherence among German physical therapists. A comprehensive identification of facilitators and barriers to EBP adherence in patient care can inform implementation strategies, enhance their effectiveness and subsequently improve patient care.
Implications: Future research should focus on the development of well-tailored EBP implementation strategies to reduce identified barriers and further strengthen facilitators in EBP adherence among physical therapists.
Keywords: Evidence-based practice, Survey, Barriers
Funding acknowledgements: Hochschule für Gesundheit (University of Applied Sciences): Internal funding (QVM 2017-7)
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the adherence to EBP and to identify facilitators and barriers for the application of EBP among German physical therapists.
Methods: Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics committee of the German association of physiotherapists (2017-13). The study was registered a priori in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00013792).
The German version of the “Evidence-based practice inventory” (EBP-I) was administered via an online survey accessible for health care professionals with various clinical background (e.g. physiotherapy, medicine, nursing) in Germany using a snowball-principle. The questionnaire assesses the adherence to EBP and identifies barriers and facilitators for EBP in health care. The EBP-I consists of 26 items and is divided into five dimensions including e.g. aspects of individual clinical decision-making and attitude towards EBP. Respondents rated the statements on a scale ranging from 1 to 6 with two antonyms (e.g. useful versus useless).
Exploratory univariate regression analyses were performed to examine the data and identify determinants for each dimension of the EBP-I.
Results: In total, 920 participants completed the online survey. The present sample included 353 (38%) physical therapists with a mean age of 37 years (SD±12) and a mean clinical experience of 14 years (SD±11). Fifty-eight percent of the physical therapists involved were female (n=206).
Perceived adherence to EBP varied from 9% (n=31) to 29% (n=101) across the five dimensions. Major barriers were identified regarding the dimension "Subjective norm" including opinion leadership and acceptance of authority. Determinants for guideline adherence, which were consistently identified for most dimension of the EBP-I, were the independent variables "educational level", "scientific article" and "scientific lecture". Thus, a higher professional degree and active imparting of EBP knowledge positively impacts an individual's EBP adherence in physical therapy care.
Conclusion(s): The results of this study illustrate current deficits in EBP adherence among German physical therapists. A comprehensive identification of facilitators and barriers to EBP adherence in patient care can inform implementation strategies, enhance their effectiveness and subsequently improve patient care.
Implications: Future research should focus on the development of well-tailored EBP implementation strategies to reduce identified barriers and further strengthen facilitators in EBP adherence among physical therapists.
Keywords: Evidence-based practice, Survey, Barriers
Funding acknowledgements: Hochschule für Gesundheit (University of Applied Sciences): Internal funding (QVM 2017-7)
Topic: Research methodology & knowledge translation
Ethics approval required: Yes
Institution: Deutscher Verband fuer Physiotherapie
Ethics committee: Physio-Akademie gGmbH
Ethics number: 2017-13
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
