Physiotherapy: How to work with evidence in daily practice.

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• The translation of research into healthcare practice, particularly evidence-based practice (EBP), faces persistent challenges.
• Understanding physiotherapists' perceptions of evidence is crucial for bridging the research-practice gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how physiotherapists' understanding and experience of working with evidence evolve after an educational program.
• To investigate the meaning of evidence and EBP from the perspective of practicing physiotherapists.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative phenomenological hermeneutic design was employed.
• Open-ended group interviews were conducted with physiotherapists who completed an EBP education program.

Main Results:

• Three key themes emerged: confidence with evidence as a work approach, EBP as a duty to seek patient-specific evidence, and EBP as an integrated, patient-centered activity.
• Participants reported a broadened definition of evidence.
• The educational program influenced physiotherapists' perception of EBP.

Conclusions:

• Physiotherapists' experiences indicate that EBP is increasingly perceived as an integrated and patient-oriented practice.
• A shift in the conceptualization of evidence facilitates the adoption of EBP.
• Educational interventions can positively impact the perception and implementation of evidence-based practice in physiotherapy.