Survey of Attitudes, Knowledge, and Barriers to Evidence-Based Practice Among Thai Physical Therapists

Authors

Mantana Vongsirinavarat, Mahidol UniversityFollow
Witaya Mathiyakom, California State UniversityFollow
Warin Krityakiarana, Mahidol UniversityFollow
Ninwisan Hengsomboon, Mahidol UniversityFollow
Ratchanok Kraiwong, MahidolUniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Healthcare professionals are encouraged to use evidence-based practice (EBP) to improve the quality of care and the patient’s quality of life. Knowledge and skill set specific to EBP, critical resources such as time and accessibility to databases, and clinician’s attitude toward EBP are needed for successful implementation of EBP. However, little is currently known about these factors among Thai Physical Therapists (PTs). This study aimed to explore the patterns of attitudes, perceived knowledge, and barriers toward EBP in Thai PTs. Method: An online questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding attitudes, knowledge, and barriers from Thai PTs. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the responses. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the association between personal and work characteristics and the responses related to attitude, knowledge, and barriers. Results: A total of 719 Thai PTs responded to the questionnaire. Based on this sample, Thai PTs had positive attitudes and perceived themselves as having sufficient background EBP education and skills. They were confident in performing a literature search, critically appraisal, and applying research in their practice. However, the frequencies of searching and reading of literature were relatively low. Less than half of respondents understood terms related to EBP asked in the survey instrument. The barriers to EBP were insufficient time and limited research and statistical skills. PTs who were younger and having higher education were more likely to have better attitudes and knowledge. Conclusions: Despite the positive attitude and perceived knowledge of EBP, time allocation, formal training of EBP skills during academic preparation, and continuing education are required to overcome the barriers toward EBP. The discrepancy between the perception and practice of EBP observed calls for further investigation of actual skills and the barriers to the implementation of EBP.

Author Bio(s)

Mantana Vongsirinavarat, PhD. (Texas’ Women University), DPT (University of Montana). Mantana is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University.

Witaya Mathiyakom, PhD. (University of Southern California). Witaya is a Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, California State University, Northridge and Adjunct Professor Department of Biological Sciences University of Southern California.

Warin Krityakiarana, Ph.D. (Mahidol University). Warin is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University.

Ninwisan Hengsomboon, PhD. (Chulalongkorn University). Ninwisan is a lecturer in the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University.

Ratchanok Kraiwong, Ph.D. (Mahidol University). Ratchanok is a lecturer in the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University.

Acknowledgements

This study is supported in part by the Physical Therapy Association of Thailand. The authors also would like to acknowledge the presidents of the Physical Therapy Council and the Physical Therapy Association of Thailand for their supports of information of registered practitioners and networks of physical therapists.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2020.1878

Recommended Citation

Vongsirinavarat M, Mathiyakom W, Krityakiarana W, Hengsomboon N, Kraiwong R. Survey of Attitudes, Knowledge, and Barriers to Evidence-Based Practice Among Thai Physical Therapists. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2020 Jan 01;18(4), Article 1.