title: Barriers and facilitators of evidence-based practice perceived by behavioral science health professionals.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA. sherry.pagoto@umassmed.edu
authors.forename: Sherry L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Pagoto
authors.forename: Bonnie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Spring
authors.forename: Elliot J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Coups
authors.forename: Shelagh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mulvaney
authors.forename: Marie-France
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Coutu
authors.forename: Gozde
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ozakinci
mesh_terms: D001524:Behavioral Medicine; D003625:Data Collection; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014481:United States