Practice Development: Bridging the Research-Practice Divide through the Appointment of a Research Lead

Abstract

Research suggests that while most clinicians endorse the importance of evidence-based practice, without the right culture of support and encouragement it can be difficult to achieve such practice. This paper presents an outline of one method to enhance evidence-based practice. It reports on the evaluation of a new type of occupational therapy post, a research lead based in clinical practice, and suggests that the post has the potential to bridge the research-practice divide. Based on feedback from clinicians, research outputs and the impact on practice, the results offer an insight into the role of the research lead in contributing to and enhancing the use of evidence-based practice. It is hoped that these findings may be beneficial to other areas that are considering the strategies and support required to enhance and invest in evidence-based practice.

Research Utilization and Evidence-Based Practice in Occupational Therapy: A Scoping Study

“…Studies examining the effects of specific KT interventions have indicated that both single-and multicomponent KT interventions led to improvements in knowledge about obesity and the potential role of occupational therapists (Forhan & Law, 2009), about available outcome measures (Cook, McCluskey, & Bowman, 2007), and about EBP concepts such as posing a clinical question and appraising scientific articles (McCluskey & Lovarini, 2005). Other practice changes included increased use of outcome measures (Cook et al, 2007;McQueen, 2008), improvements in self-efficacy in using research in practice (Crist, 2010;Petzold et al, 2012), a more client-centered approach to practice (Finlayson et al, 2005;Rappolt et al, 2005), and more favorable attitudes toward EBP (Lysack, Lichtenberg, & Schneider, 2011;Petzold et al, 2012). The use of a research lead or research resource person in clinical practice settings resulted in increased confidence and focus in practitioners, helped overcome barriers to EBP, and increased research outputs (McQueen, 2008).…”

“…Other practice changes included increased use of outcome measures (Cook et al, 2007;McQueen, 2008), improvements in self-efficacy in using research in practice (Crist, 2010;Petzold et al, 2012), a more client-centered approach to practice (Finlayson et al, 2005;Rappolt et al, 2005), and more favorable attitudes toward EBP (Lysack, Lichtenberg, & Schneider, 2011;Petzold et al, 2012). The use of a research lead or research resource person in clinical practice settings resulted in increased confidence and focus in practitioners, helped overcome barriers to EBP, and increased research outputs (McQueen, 2008).…”

Implementing Clinical Practice Guidelines in occupational therapy practice: Recommendations from the research evidence

“…In occupational therapy, researchers have examined the use of clinician-scientists, evidence-based practice teams and managers to facilitate the transfer of research evidence into practice (Caldwell, Whitehead, Fleming & Moes, 2008;McCluskey & Cusick, 2002;McQueen, 2008) but no published studies exist which examine the use of CPGs more specifically. However, there are promising results in related rehabilitation fields such as physical therapy.…”

Evidence-based practice supports among Canadian occupational therapists

“…Evidence-based occupational therapists use research evidence in combination with clinical knowledge and reasoning to make decisions about interventions that are effective for specific clients (Law & Baum, 1998). To date, research on evidence-based occupational therapy practice has focused on (a) the attitudes and perceptions about evidence-based practice (EBP) as well as confidence in one’s ability to use evidence in practice (Bennett et al, 2003; Cameron et al, 2005; Davis, Zayat, Urton, Belgum, & Hill, 2008), (b) the gaps between actual practice and EBP (Chard, 2006; Lyons, Casey, Brown, Tseng, & McDonald, 2010; Menon, Korner-Bitensky, & Straus, 2010), and (c) the design, implementation, and evaluation of knowledge translation (KT) strategies aimed at promoting the integration of scientific evidence in practice (Hammond & Klompenhouwer, 2005; McCluskey & Lovarini, 2005; McQueen, 2008). Despite the growing status of EBP, there is compelling evidence that available research findings are not integrated routinely in occupational therapy practice (Cameron et al, 2005; Korner-Bitensky et al, 2006; Salls, Dolhi, Silverman, & Hansen, 2009).…”