title: An Evidence-Based Approach to Influencing Evidence-Based Practice in Allied Health.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Factors affecting the evidence-based practice (EBP) capabilities of allied health staff are complex and are linked with institutional barriers, personal self-belief, and individual experience and ability. This study's aim was to measure the effect of training and organisational change on EBP measures among allied health staff.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-three percent of allied health hospital staff (201/303) completed an online survey measuring constructs of EBP. Results were compared to those from the same survey conducted in the previous year, with a response rate of 72.2% (182/252). Eighty staff completed the survey at both time points. Independent and repeated measures ANOVAs were used to compare levels of self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, knowledge, and use, according to discipline over time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant increase in EBP self-efficacy was observed over time (p=0.03), as well as amongst staff who completed the survey at both time points (p=0.013). Significant differences existed between professions at time 2 in EBP-outcome expectancy (p=0.002) and EBP use (p=0.016).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Targeted within-department and general allied health workplace evidence-based interventions to improve EBP constructs have been effective at improving overall allied health EBP self-efficacy. Different departments have demonstrated individual improvements in EBP scores, potentially reflecting different training and organisational strategies implemented across departments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Level 3, Mater Children's Hospital, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia. Tel +61 7 3163 6000, fax +61 7 3163 2442. shelley.wilkinson@mater.org.au.
authors.forename: Shelley A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hough
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hinchliffe
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013192:Staff Development; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires