Increasing Rehabilitation Therapists’ Confidence Utilizing Evidence-Based Interventions: Pilot Study

Authors

Stephanie Hovick, Chatham UniversityFollow
Ingrid Provident, Chatham UniversityFollow

Abstract

Evidence-based practice enables rehabilitation therapists to provide the best quality of care and outcomes for patients. However, rehabilitation therapists are often not confident in using evidence in many settings.

Purpose. The objective of this evidence-based practice project was to determine if educational small group sessions enhanced occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and a speech and language pathologist’s confidence in utilizing and applying evidence.

Method. Eleven rehabilitation therapists of multiple disciplines (occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and a speech and language pathologist) from a skilled nursing facility participated in six educational sessions designed to increase evidence-based practice. A pre- and post-test utilizing the Evidence-Based Practice Profile Questionnaire (EBPPQ), measured change in therapists’confidence regarding evidence-based practice.

Results. Results on the Evidence-Based Practice Profile Questionnaire concluded that 7 of 11 rehabilitation therapists reported an increase in confidence levels.

Conclusion. Educational small group sessions can be an effective method to assist rehabilitation therapists in developing this confidence.

KEYWORDS: Evidence-based practice, confidence levels, rehabilitation therapists, educational sessions, skilled nursing facility

Author Bio(s)

Stephanie Hovick, OTD, OTRL/L, adjunct professor in the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, IL and an adjunct professor in the Post-Professional Doctorate (OTD) Program at Gannon University in Erie, PA. She is also a licensed occupational therapist in the state of Illinois.

Ingrid Provident, Ed.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator in the Post-Professional Doctorate (OTD) Program at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. She is also a licensed occupational therapist in the state of Pennsylvania.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2018.1759

Recommended Citation

Hovick S, Provident I. Increasing Rehabilitation Therapists’ Confidence Utilizing Evidence-Based Interventions: Pilot Study. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2018 Jan 01;16(4), Article 13.