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Patterns of research utilization among Certified Hand Therapists
Gail N Groth1, Dorothy Farrar-Edwards
1Department of Orthopedics & Hands, UW Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, WI, USA. groth.gail@gmail.com
Summary
Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) were categorized into four research utilization groups: Analytic, Skeptic, Pragmatic, and Traditional. Understanding these groups can enhance evidence-based practice in carpal tunnel syndrome treatment.
Area of Science:
- Occupational therapy research
- Evidence-based practice
- Hand therapy interventions
Background:
- A significant portion of Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) report infrequent use of research findings in treating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
- This highlights a gap in translating research into clinical practice for CTS management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct groups of CHTs based on their patterns of research utilization.
- To understand the heterogeneity in how CHTs integrate research into their practice for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Main Methods:
- A national mail survey was conducted with 600 CHTs, yielding 308 responses (55% response rate).
- Latent class and thematic analysis were applied to eight survey questions assessing research use and beliefs.
Main Results:
- Four distinct groups of CHT research users were identified: Analytic (45%), Skeptic (22%), Pragmatic (18%), and Traditional (15%).
- The Analytic and Pragmatic groups demonstrated higher research utilization, while Skeptics utilized research when it contradicted other knowledge sources.
- Age was a significant factor in group membership, unlike experience or population density.
Conclusions:
- Recognizing CHTs' group-specific research utilization patterns can inform strategies to promote evidence-based practice.
- Facilitating understanding of these diverse groups may advance the adoption of research findings in hand therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome.
