Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
Therapy Interventions for Upper Limb Amputees Undergoing Selective Nerve Transfers
Published on: October 29, 2021
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
Study Design:
Mixed methods, cross-sectional.
Introduction:
Nearly 30% of Certified Hand Therapists rarely or never use research findings when treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
Purpose Of The Study:
To identify groups of CHTs with common research utilization patterns.
Methods:
National randomized mail survey of 600 CHTs (n = 308, RR = 55%). Latent class and thematic analysis of eight questions assessing research use and beliefs.
Results:
Four groups of CHT research users were identified: Analytic (n = 135, 45%); Skeptic (n = 65, 22%); Pragmatic (n = 53, 18%); and Traditional (n = 46, 15%). Highest research use was reported among Analytics and Pragmatics although Skeptics willingly relied on research evidence when it contradicted other sources of knowledge. Age, not experience or population density, was a significant covariate of group membership.
Conclusions:
Empowering CHTs to use research findings by increased understanding of their group membership, and understanding others' groups, may increase progress toward evidence-based practice.
