Barriers to implementation of evidence-based practice among physical therapists. / [author]: Embuscado, Wilmer Jr. E., Lanante, Marija Ken P., Melad, Clarence Ian B., Necesito, Aljean Victor V. Silverio, Eingelica C., Villegas, Jennifer Mae B.

Includes Appendix.

ABSTRACT:
Background: Evidence-based practice is a new and innovative approach to delivering treatment for the patient with necessary and appropriate clinical evidence. Throughout the years, new treatments are emerging to address diverse impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities of patients. However, there were only a few studies conducted to provide information about the evidence-based practice-related barriers among Filipino physical therapists in the Philippines.
Purpose The aim of the study is to identify barriers in the implementation of EBP to provide the safest and most effective physical therapy interventions for both patients and clients that may help physical therapists to discard ineffective and potentially harmful practice methods.
Methods: The study used an descriptive cross-sectional survey study that involved Filipino physical therapists providing services in rehabilitation centers in the Philippines, gathered from electronic platforms with informed consent. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of the participants. Frequency and proportion were used for categorical variables such as the practitioner and organizational factors influencing EBP. Mean with standard deviation and median with range were used for the self-efficacy variables.
Results: Ninety-five out of 106 respondents (89.62%) were included in the study. Lack of information resources, insufficient time granted by management, and lack of organizational mandate were the top self-reported barriers among those who completed a bachelor's degree. Postgraduate degree holders exhibited higher self-efficacy scores in identifying the gap (p=0.044), formulating
research questions (p=0.020), critical appraisal of research (p=0.001), interpreting statistical tests (p=0.001), and statistical outcomes (p=0.001) than bachelor's degree holders. Eighty-eight-point forty two percent (88.42%) of the study's participants have no formal postgraduate education. The majority of respondents who reported having low critical evaluation abilities (p=0.001) and receiving formal critical appraisal training (p=0.003) were female.
Conclusion: The results showed that Filipino physical therapists encountered barriers more on an organizational level compared to personal barriers. The study also revealed that Filipino physical therapists had low scores on self-efficacy which may affect their evidence-based practice. Promoting better coordination and communication among physical therapists, patients, and
organizations is one of the primary means in addressing both practitioner and organizational barriers.

School of Physical Therapy