title: Occupational therapists' perceptions of evidence-based practice.
abstract: Occupational therapists are increasingly urged to carry out evidenced-based practice; however, little is known regarding their present practice and perceptions of evidence-based practice. To explore this phenomenon, a qualitative study was completed using a grounded theory approach. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with eight occupational therapists who worked in diverse practice settings. Participants were asked to reflect on their own views of evidence-based practice and their use of evidence in therapy. Data were analyzed inductively using constant comparison analysis. Participants' perceptions of evidence-based practice were described in three broad categories. To these occupational therapists, evidence-based practice is: (a) a process of looking for understanding; (b) associated with research, and; (c) a potential threat to the occupational therapist. These findings produce a basis from which recommendations are made to increase the use of evidence-based practice by occupational therapists.
authors.affiliation: Occupational Therapy Program School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Dubouloz@uottawa.ca
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Dubouloz
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Egan
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vallerand
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: von Zweck
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D012106:Research / Q000639:trends