title: Factors influencing evidence-based practice in prosthetics and orthotics.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The importance of evidence-based practice is being recognized across a broad range of healthcare disciplines as a means for improving patient outcomes and also efficiently managing healthcare resources.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this work was to obtain information from clinicians about the underlying barriers and facilitators relating to evidence-based practice in prosthetics and orthotics.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross sectional survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  An internet survey was developed and distributed to 300 prosthetists and orthotists currently practicing in Canada.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A principal component factor analysis of the survey results revealed ten primary factors affecting evidence-based practice. These include time constraints, workload and system demands, limited relevant evidence from research, and gaps in skills and knowledge required to perform evidence-based practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinicians value research as a means of improving clinical practice, but they are faced with a number of practical barriers in performing evidence-based practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides empirical data about the underlying barriers and facilitators relating to evidence-based practice in prosthetics and orthotics. Such data are essential in order to inform those involved in improving existing clinical practices, including educators, professional organizations, and governing bodies.
authors.affiliation: Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. jandrysek@hollandbloorview.ca
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Andrysek
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Christensen
authors.forename: Annie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dupuis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016526:Workload / Q000706:statistics & numerical data