Knowledge, attitudes, practices and barriers of pediatric occupational therapists to evidence-based practice and research utilization

Abstract

Knowledge about the use of evidence-based practice and research utilization continues to develop and expand within the occupational therapy field. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the perceived knowledge, attitudes, practices, barriers and orientation to evidence-based practice and research utilization of a group of pediatric occupational therapists from Australia, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan. Questionnaires were received from 696 participants (response rate 56.58%) who completed the Research Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Research Survey (KAP Survey), the Barriers to Research Utilization Scale (BARRIERS), and the Edmonton Research Orientation Survey (EROS). The results indicated pediatric occupational therapists held positive attitudes towards evidence-based practice but were less confident in their research knowledge and practices. The greatest barriers to research utilization were associated with the “Organization”, with participants rating some engagement in research conduct and utilization. Similarities and differences were noted between countries regarding various aspects of evidence-based practice and utilization. Findings also indicated that evidence-based practice and research utilization in the context of pediatric occupational therapy practice vary from one country to another and that these issues are impacted by both personal and workplace related issues.