Profile of Evidence-Based Practice Among Respiratory Therapists in Taiwan

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practice (EBP) has been proposed as a core competence to improve healthcare quality. The profile of EBP among respiratory therapists (RTs) has not been explored. We investigated how RTs in Taiwan perceive the implementation of EBP. METHODS: We surveyed RTs in Taiwan's regional hospitals during a 4-month period in 2011. RESULTS: A majority of RTs were aware of EBP (88.0%). Although most RTs held a favorable impression of EBP, their knowledge of and skill in EBP implementation were deficient. Only half of the RTs had implemented EBP. Insufficient convenient kits (59.1%), deficient designated personnel (50.0%), and lack of time (45.5%) were major barriers to implementing EBP. RTs rated MEDLINE as the most commonly used evidence-based retrieval database, followed by UpToDate, IntroductionEvidence-based practice (EBP) means clinical practice that is consistent with the current best evidence. EBP integrates clinical epidemiology, biostatistics, research methods, and informatics into healthcare. 1,2 The process of EBP mainly involves 4 steps: framing a clear question based on a clinical problem; finding relevant evidence in the literature; critically appraising the validity of the research; and applying the findings to clinical decision-making. 3 Respiratory care is increasingly utilized, with the associated respiratory therapists (RTs) playing an important role in supporting related clinical services. [4][5][6][7] proposed as a useful means to improve healthcare outcomes for RTs. [8][9][10][11] Therefore it is essential to assess how RTs implement EBP in clinical decision-making. A number of studies have illustrated that, although a majority of medical, nursing, pharmacologic, and allied health professions hold positive attitudes toward EBP, their knowledge and skill pertaining to EBP implementation are relatively insufficient. 12-18 Whether or not RTs practice with evidence, and, if so, how, has been unclear. 19 RTs have to deal with a broad range of medical problems in clinical practice. 20 RTs play an important role in the prevention and management of respiratory diseases. 21 Timely acquired relevant information is important for their clinical practice. Access to evidence-based information can help facilitate effective management. Therefore, how to obtain current evidence-based knowledge is a critical skill. Nevertheless, only a few studies surveyed the behavior of RTs in searching for evidence-based information.We surveyed RTs in Taiwan regarding their awareness of EBP related to beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, skills, and implementation. MethodsThe ethical review board of the Taiwan National Health Research Institutes approved the study protocol. The survey was accompanied by an introductory letter stating the purpose of this study and promising confidentiality. Return of the completed questionnaire was considered consent for participation.

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