An evidence-based approach to influencing evidence-based practice in allied health

BACKGROUND: Factors affecting the evidence-based practice (EBP) capabilities of allied health staff are complex and are linked with institutional barriers, personal self-belief, and individual experience and ability. This study's aim was to measure the effect of training and organisational change on EBP measures among allied health staff.

METHODS: Sixty-three percent of allied health hospital staff(201/303) completed an online survey measuring constructs of EBP. Results were compared to those from the same survey conducted in the previous year, with a response rate of 72.2% (182/252). Eighty staff completed the survey at both time points. Independent and repeated measures ANOVAs were used to compare levels of self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, knowledge, and use, according to discipline over time.

RESULTS: A significant increase in EBP self-efficacy was observed over time (p=0.03), as well as amongst staff who completed the survey at both time points (p=0.013). Significant differences existed between professions at time 2 in EBP-outcome expectancy (p=0.002) and EBP use (p=0.016).

CONCLUSIONS: Targeted within department and general allied health workplace evidence based interventions to improve EBP constructs have been effective at improving overall allied health EBP self-efficacy. Different departments have demonstrated individual improvements in EBP scores, potentially reflecting different training and organisational strategies implemented across departments. J Allied Health 2016; 45(1):41-48.