Barriers and facilitators of evidence-based practice perceived by behavioral science health professionals.
Progress in implementing evidence-based behavioral practices has been slow. A qualitative study was performed to characterize the major facilitators and barriers to evidence-based practice (EBP) perceived by behavioral professionals. Members of professional e-mail listservs were queried and 84 barriers and 48 facilitators were nominated by 37 respondents. Thematic analysis revealed seven themes to describe both barriers and facilitators: (a) training, (b) attitudes, (c) consumer demand, (d) logistical considerations, (e) institutional support, (f) policy, and (g) evidence. Most frequently cited barriers included negative attitudes about EBP and lack of training. Barriers also reflected confusion between EBP and the products of EBP (i.e., empirically supported treatments [ESTs]). Main facilitators included a growing evidence base. Results suggest that uptake of EBP may be facilitated by education and training.
Pagoto
Sherry L
SL
Department of Medicine, Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA. sherry.pagoto@umassmed.edu
Spring
Bonnie
B
Coups
Elliot J
EJ
Mulvaney
Shelagh
S
Coutu
Marie-France
MF
Ozakinci
Gozde
G
D001524:Behavioral Medicine; D003625:Data Collection; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014481:United States