title: Patterns of research utilization among Certified Hand Therapists.
abstract: METHODS
  Mixed methods, cross-sectional.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Nearly 30% of Certified Hand Therapists rarely or never use research findings when treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To identify groups of CHTs with common research utilization patterns.
  
  
  METHODS
  National randomized mail survey of 600 CHTs (n = 308, RR = 55%). Latent class and thematic analysis of eight questions assessing research use and beliefs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four groups of CHT research users were identified: Analytic (n = 135, 45%); Skeptic (n = 65, 22%); Pragmatic (n = 53, 18%); and Traditional (n = 46, 15%). Highest research use was reported among Analytics and Pragmatics although Skeptics willingly relied on research evidence when it contradicted other sources of knowledge. Age, not experience or population density, was a significant covariate of group membership.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Empowering CHTs to use research findings by increased understanding of their group membership, and understanding others' groups, may increase progress toward evidence-based practice.
authors: Department of Orthopedics & Hands, UW Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, WI, USA. groth.gail@gmail.com
authors: Gail N
authors: GN
authors: Groth
authors: Dorothy
authors: D
authors: Farrar-Edwards
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D059825:Physical Therapists; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome; Evidence-based practice; Research utilization
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