Effects of profession and facility type on research utilization by rehabilitation professionals.
Information about the use of research by rehabilitation professionals to make clinical decisions in everyday practice is limited. This study compared perceived research use and knowledge sources across professions, practice situations, and work environments. Participants were 165 randomly selected Canadian occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists. Self-report ratings during an interview, an interviewer rating, and questionnaire scores (Edmonton Research Orientation Survey, General Use of Research, Knowledge Acquisition Survey) were compared. Speech-language pathologists had the most education and the highest research use ratings. Research use was highest during program planning. Programs to encourage research use must consider the research available to guide practice and therapists' education level. Facility size and location (rural, urban) do not affect perceived research use.
Pain
Kerrie
K
Rehabilitation Services, Calgary Health Region, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. kpain@ualberta.ca
Magill-Evans
Joyce
J
Darrah
Johanna
J
Hagler
Paul
P
Warren
Sharon
S
D000416:Alberta; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004496:Education, Continuing / Q000379:methods; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007325:Institutional Practice / Q000145:classification* / Q000592:standards; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D011361:Professional Competence; D011897:Random Allocation; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000592:standards; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires