Some Issues Related to Research Utilization in Occupational Therapy

Abstract

The importance of research in the rehabilitation fields, including occupational therapy, has been widely recognized in the past decade. The production of credible research literature has received high priority as occupational therapy strives to achieve professional status within the hierarchy of rehabilitation service providers. To accomplish this goal, research that establishes a scientific basis for therapy must be produced, and this research must be integrated with clinical practice. Occupational therapy appears to be making progress in producing research literature related to clinical practice; however, the issue of research utilization has remained largely unexplored. This paper discusses methods of applying research findings and procedures in practice environments and explores some issues related to research utilization. Research utilization is viewed as a complex process involving multiple components related to individual decision making, theory development, and the documentation of clinical practice.

The Experience of Clinician-Researchers in Occupational Therapy

“…If clinicians are not actively involved in research, then there is a risk that the knowledge developed for the profession will be irrelevant to practice (Greenwood, 1984). A low level of practitioner involvement is also a problem because research in an applied field such as occupational therapy is developed to be used (Brown & Rodger, 1999;Ottenbacher, Barris, & Van Deusen, 1986). Use of research in service delivery and policy development is less likely to occur if the questions asked and findings generated are not seen as relevant, that is, directly related to practitioner and consumer needs (Bond, 1991;DePoy & Gitlin, 1998;Hunt, 1981;Royeen, 1988).…”

Enhancing Research Use through Online Action Research

“…The discrepancy between ideal practice informed by the use of current research findings and actual practice based on tradition has been documented in occupational therapy (Kielhofner & Barris, 1984;Ottenbacher, Barris & Van Deusen, 1986). Tickle-Degnen (1998) writes "research study findings provide crucial evidence relevant to practice and are perhaps the most underused form of evidence in clinical reasoning" (p. 538).…”

Promoting Research in the Clinical Setting: A Local Inquiry and a Complementary Literature Review

“…Although research as presented in the literature may be difficult to interpret, it is important that clinicians are able to develop the necessary skills to do so (Newham, 1994). Further, Ottenbacher et al (1986) warn against viewing research as not being relevant to the clinical practitioner. 'Successful research utilisation leads to the conversion of the intellectual property of research into a product of therapeutic value' (Ottenbacher, 1987, p214).…”