Australian occupational therapists' use of an online evidence‐based practice database (OTseeker)

Abstract

Introduction : Online databases can support the implementation of evidencebased practice by providing easy access to research. OTseeker (www.otseeker.com), an electronic evidence database, was introduced in 2003 to assist occupational therapists to locate and interpret research. Objectives : This study explored Australian occupational therapists' use and perceptions of OTseeker and its impact on their knowledge and practice. Methods : A postal survey questionnaire was distributed to two samples: (i) a proportionate random sample of 400 occupational therapists from all states and territories of Australia, and (ii) a random sample of occupational therapists working in 95 facilities in two Australian states (Queensland and New South Wales). Results : The questionnaire was completed by 213 participants. While most participants (85.9%) had heard of OTseeker, only 103 (56.6%) had accessed it, with lack of time being the main reason for non-use. Of the 103 participants who had accessed OTseeker, 68.9% had done so infrequently, 63.1% agreed that it had increased their knowledge and 13.6% had changed their practice after accessing information on OTseeker. Conclusion : Despite OTseeker being developed to provide occupational therapists with easy access to research, lack of time was the main reason why over half of the participants in this study had not accessed it. This exploratory research suggests, however, that there is potential for the database to influence occupational therapists' knowledge and practice about treatment efficacy through access to the research literature.

Systematic review of knowledge translation strategies in the allied health professions

“…Fifteen studies investigated a single KT intervention (pharmacy n = 5, physiotherapy n = 2, occupational therapy n = 4, dietetics n = 3, speech-language pathology n = 2) [46,50,51,53,54,59,60,63,64,67-69,71,75,76]. Seventeen studies examined multiple KT interventions (pharmacy n = 7, physiotherapy n = 9, occupational therapy n = 2) [45,47-49,52,55-58,61,62,65,66,70,72-74].…”

“…Seventeen studies examined multiple KT interventions (pharmacy n = 7, physiotherapy n = 9, occupational therapy n = 2) [45,47-49,52,55-58,61,62,65,66,70,72-74]. Following the EPOC classification scheme, the predominant single KT intervention was educational meetings (n = 11) [46,51,53,54,59,63,64,69,71,75,76], followed by educational materials (n = 2) [50,67], educational outreach visits (n = 1) [68], and a financial intervention (n = 1) [60]. The studies employing multiple interventions all contained at least one education-related component.…”

“…Five studies could not be classified as consistent or mixed effect on primary outcome measures: unclear (n = 2) i.e. ,58,70], not done (n = 3) [57,59,67]. …”

Preparing for professional practice: How well does professional training equip health and social care practitioners to engage in evidence-based practice?

“…Similarly there have also been surveys of barriers to nurses' research utilization (Webster et al, 2003) and that of other professional groups (Humphris et al, 2000;Curtin and Jaramazovic, 2001). Surveys have also been used to ascertain the information sources used to inform evidence-based practice of nurses (Griffiths and Riddington, 2001) and other professional groups (Vallino-Napoli and Reilly, 2004;McKenna et al, 2005). We felt that the use of a cross-sectional survey had the greatest potential for achieving our primary research objectives, and whilst it would not have any explanatory power it would serve the purpose of establishing patterns and trends in relation to the views and perceptions of recently qualified health and social care staff on evidence-based practice.…”

“…However, researchers have identified barriers that may impede qualified professionals from becoming evidence-based practitioners. Lack of time is perceived by therapists, general practitioners and nurses to be the major barrier to implementing evidence-based practice (Tomlin, 1999;Humphris et al, 2000;Curtin and Jaramazovic, 2001;Nagy et al, 2001;Vallino-Napoli and Reilly, 2004;McKenna et al, 2005;Zipoli and Kennedy, 2005). Nagy et al (2001) report that nurses expressed a lack of confidence in the willingness of their organisation to support evidence-based practice.…”