Implementing evidence-based practice in clinical settings: a collaborative and educational program for occupational therapy practitioners
Date
2024
DOI
Authors
Brosnan, Caitlin
Version
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) understand the importance of implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) in clinical settings. However, they often have difficulty implementing it within practice (Saunders et al., 2019). The problem is that without EBP, clients may not receive quality care because OTPs may not be up to date with research (Christiansen, et al., 2015). OTPs report that current barriers include time constraints, lack of access to articles, and not having the support or the skills to interpret research (Nott et al., 2020). Subscriptions to journals and online literature are the most common forms of evidence to review (Rodriguez et al., 2006). However, medical journals require paid subscription for access which OTPs do not have the financial resources to subscribe.
Developing an approach to address the identified problem required a comprehensive literature search which was completed by the program author. Results obtained supported several important or key ingredients to be included in the program. For example, several resources were identified to support clinicians in implementing EBP within a clinical setting. One example is the KT Toolkit which assists clinicians with promoting EBP within their practice setting (Juckett et al., 2022b). Also, mentorship is a crucial strategy to embrace as it can increase participants confidence with engagement in EBP (Eames et al., 2018). When implementing a new program, it is important to consider buy-in from management which can be accomplished through clear communication and fostering a team environment (Bleser et al., 2014). In addition, commitment from staff members participating in the new program is required which can be established through clear communication (Engle et al., 2017). Providing data and clear expectations of the program will assist with buy-in through explaining the purpose of the program to participants (French‐Bravo et al., 2020).
To assist OTPs with incorporating EBP into treatment plans the proposed program, Implementing Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Settings, will be implemented in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. Although the proposed program is designed to be implemented in an inpatient rehabilitation setting, it can be generalized to other practice areas as well. Initially, the program will be provided as a pilot project to senior OTPs who will provide feedback on the program and serve as mentors to other therapists. The program will be delivered in person to a small group starting with informational sessions then transitioning to a journal club format to allow participants to actively engage in EBP. Through a group format, participants are encouraged to collaborate with one another during the initial meetings and afterward to promote engagement in EBP within their practice setting. As the program is still in its early stages, data will be gathered before and after the pilot program using a non-experimental research design (Giancola, 2020).
The primary audience for this program is OTPs, and the secondary audience is management within occupational therapy. A plan for evaluating the effectiveness of this dissemination plan is described through written information, person-to-person contact and electronic media.
Description
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International