title: Perceptions of physiotherapists towards research: a mixed methods study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the perceptions of physiotherapists towards the use of and participation in research.
  
  
  METHODS
  Concurrent mixed methods research, combining in-depth interviews with three questionnaires (demographics, Edmonton Research Orientation Survey, visual analogue scales for confidence and motivation to participate in research).
  
  
  METHODS
  One physiotherapy department in a rehabilitation hospital, consisting of seven specialised areas.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-five subjects {four men and 21 women, mean age 38 [standard deviation (SD) 11] years} who had been registered as a physiotherapist for a mean period of 15 (SD 10) years participated in this study. They were registered with the New Zealand Board of Physiotherapy, held a current practising certificate, and were working as a physiotherapist or physiotherapy/allied health manager at the hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  The primary outcome measure was in-depth interviews and the secondary outcome measures were the three questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Physiotherapists were generally positive towards research, but struggled with the concept of research, the available literature and the time to commit to research. Individual confidence and orientation towards research seemed to influence how these barriers were perceived.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study showed that physiotherapists struggle to implement research in their daily practice and become involved in research. Changing physiotherapists' conceptions of research, making it more accessible and providing dedicated research time could facilitate increased involvement in the physiotherapy profession.
authors.affiliation: Allied Health Professions Research Unit, School of Sport, Tourism and The Outdoors, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. Electronic address: jjanssen@uclan.ac.uk.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Janssen
authors.affiliation: Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hale
authors.affiliation: Donald Beasley Institute, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mirfin-Veitch
authors.affiliation: Higher Education Development Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Harland
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D035843:Biomedical Research; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009520:New Zealand; D010465:Perception; D059825:Physical Therapists / Q000523:psychology*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Evidence-based practice; Physiotherapy; Practice–research gap; Research participation; Research perception; Research utilisation