Promoting physical therapists’ use of research evidence to inform clinical practice: part 2 - a mixed methods evaluation of the PEAK program

Abstract

BackgroundClinicians need innovative educational programs to enhance their capacity for using research evidence to inform clinical decision-making. This paper and its companion paper introduce the Physical therapist-driven Education for Actionable Knowledge translation (PEAK) program, an educational program designed to promote physical therapists’ integration of research evidence into clinical decision-making. This, second of two, papers reports a mixed methods feasibility study of the PEAK program among physical therapists at three university-based clinical facilities.MethodsA convenience sample of 18 physical therapists participated in the six-month educational program. Mixed methods were used to triangulate results from pre-post quantitative data analyzed concurrently with qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Feasibility of the program was assessed by evaluating change in participants’ attitudes, self-efficacy, knowledge, skills, and self-reported behaviors in addition to their perceptions and reaction to the program.ResultsAll 18 therapists completed the program. The group experienced statistically significant improvements in evidence based practice self-efficacy and self-reported behavior (p < 0.001). Four themes were supported by integrated quantitative and qualitative results: 1. The collaborative nature of the PEAK program was engaging and motivating; 2. PEAK participants experienced improved self-efficacy, creating a positive cycle where success reinforces engagement with research evidence; 3. Participants’ need to understand how to interpret statistics was not fully met; 4. Participants believed that the utilization of research evidence in their clinical practice would lead to better patient outcomes.ConclusionsThe PEAK program is a feasible educational program for promoting physical therapists’ use of research evidence in practice. A key ingredient seems to be guided small group work leading to a final product that guides local practice. Further investigation is recommended to assess long-term behavior change and to compare outcomes to alternative educational models.

How Do Physical Therapists Treat People with Knee Osteoarthritis, and What Drives Their Clinical Decisions? A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Survey

“…Some preliminary work has found that small-group work, along with interactive and personal education, tends to be most effective. [25][26][27] Future studies, ideally using a randomized controlled design, should be conducted to identify which training methods are likely to result in improved clinical decisions based on the best available evidence by physical therapists of different ages and at different professional stages and eventually to determine the influence of these training methods on patients' outcomes. Our results also stress that current research on PT treatment of knee osteoarthritis does not reflect clinical practice.…”

Use of Tablet Computers to Promote Physical Therapy Students' Engagement in Knowledge Translation During Clinical Experiences

“…Previous work suggests that space for conversation and collaboration around research evidence is critical to creating a culture of knowledge translation in physical therapy practice. 5 The ease with which a tablet's resources can be shared, both in conversation and electronically, may promote a culture of sharing and collaboration around knowledge translation.…”

“… 1 , 2 However, lack of time has been a pervasive barrier to clinicians' ability to successfully engage in the translation of research evidence into practice. 3 – 5 In fact, therapists who believe that knowledge can be integrated into practice without interfering with patient care efficiency are substantially more likely to successfully integrate research into practice. 6 …”

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“…Translating knowledge gained through research into clinical practice is an important initiative of many professional organizations [1]. Various sources state that the majority of allied health professionals believe the use of evidence-based practice (EBP) is necessary, improves quality of care and increases clinician confidence with decision making [2][3][4][5][6][7]. Knowledge translation (KT) may also improve patient outcomes and reduce costs [8][9][10][11][12].…”