Moving Evidence Forward: Addressing the Barriers to Evidence-Based Practice in Radiotherapy

Improving the quality of care is an ongoing challenge for medical professionals in the Canadian healthcare system. One generally accepted method of improving health outcomes has been the clinical implementation of evidence-based practice. Historically, the barrier in clinical settings has been efficient access to reliable information. Point-of-care (P-O-C) tools have been proven to be effective and help promote evidence-based practice in professions outside radiation therapy. To examine the potential usefulness of a P-O-C tool for radiation therapists, a Canada-wide survey was distributed to practicing radiation therapists. Results showed a clear desire by radiation therapists for a P-O-C tool. Sixty-nine percent of surveyed practitioners stated that having a practitioner-focused evidence resource would change their daily work practice, but stipulated that the proper integration of resources into the day-to-day workplace is crucial to supporting clinical evidence-based decision-making. Study participants also highlighted several barriers to their ability to do so, including access to evidence-based data, differing organizational research philosophies and practices, lack of resources to promote discipline-specific practitioner research, and necessary integration of educational and mentoring programs into daily practices. Although they have not been found to be an all-encompassing remedy, P-O-C tools have the potential to aid front-line healthcare providers in fostering evidence-based practice.