Evidence-based practice, research utilization, and knowledge translation in chiropractic: a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Chiropractic care
• Evidence-based practice
• Research utilization
• Knowledge translation

Background:

• Evidence-based practice (EBP) gaps are prevalent across healthcare disciplines.
• Understanding factors influencing EBP adoption is crucial for developing effective implementation strategies.
• A comprehensive review of EBP, research utilization (RU), and knowledge translation (KT) in chiropractic has been lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the current state of knowledge regarding EBP, RU, and KT within the chiropractic profession.
• To identify existing EBP gaps and factors influencing their adoption and implementation.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review methodology based on the Arksey and O'Malley framework was employed.
• Systematic literature searches were conducted using keywords and MeSH terms up to May 2015.
• Quantitative and thematic analyses were performed on the selected studies.

Main Results:

• Thematic analysis identified key themes related to EBP (attitudes, beliefs, implementation), RU (guideline adherence, information sources, perceived value of online resources), and KT (knowledge-practice gaps, barriers, facilitators, intervention strategies).
• Significant EBP gaps were identified in areas such as activity limitation assessment, psychosocial pain factors, general health indicators, prognosis, and exercise prescription.
• While chiropractors largely view EBP and research favorably, their practical application and guideline adherence show considerable variation.

Conclusions:

• Chiropractors generally exhibit positive attitudes and beliefs toward EBP.
• Routine integration of EBP into clinical chiropractic practice requires further development.
• Targeted educational strategies and robust dissemination and implementation research are essential to enhance guideline adherence and improve patient health outcomes in chiropractic care.